Keane defends Ireland comments

Roy Keane has hit back at Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who criticised the ex-Manchester United man’s managerial record.

Keane has been a vocal critic of Ireland’s disappointing performances at Euro 2012 and his comments provoked an angry response from Trapattoni at a press conference on Saturday.

The veteran Italian coach turned the spotlight on the former Ipswich and Sunderland boss, by asking: “What has Roy Keane ever done as a manager?”

Speaking in his role as a pundit on ITV’s Euro 2012 coverage, Keane responded: “I’m surprised because I think the reaction, as usual, is over the top.

“I never criticised the manager. I said the players need to change their mentality and the supporters.

“So for the manager to come out and have a dig at me, I understand he’s going to come out and defend his players but to come out with all that nonsense about what I’ve done as a manager?

“I did okay at Sunderland. Ok, it didn’t work out at Ipswich, I’m still quite young, hopefully there’s a chance I’ll get back into management.”

Keane was adamant Trapattoni should not be allowed to hide behind his impressive resume and should be assessed like any other Ireland coach.

“Just because he’s had major success doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be criticised,” Keane said.

“If Brian Kerr or Steve Staunton was the manager of Ireland and they put on that performance, they’d be heavily criticised.

“But for some reason, Trapattoni doesn’t feel he needs to be criticised. But the strange thing is I never actually did criticise him. So he needs to get his facts right.

“The players should have done better and it’s time to give some of the younger players a chance.”