Keane questions ambition of ‘well paid’ modern Irish footballers

Keane: Ireland players 'have nothing to be arrogant about'

The loss leaves Ireland with just a single point from their opening two World Cup qualifiers - a home draw against Hungary and this latest setback on the road. With powerhouse Portugal up next, the outlook is grim for a team that hasn’t reached a World Cup since 2002.

Reflecting on the current state of the squad, the former Ireland midfielder questioned whether many of Ireland’s players truly have the drive to reach the top level.

“Some of the Irish are playing in the Premier League, but they’re not actually that good in the PL, they’re surviving themselves. A lot of them are in the Championship, so when the manager gets them together you have to create something.”

Keane on how current crop compare to his era

Keane contrasted the current generation with players from his era, suggesting a shift in mindset has contributed to Ireland’s struggles.

“I think in the Irish set-up, a lot of players back in the day when we played, ambitions particularly in Ireland was to go and play for one of the big clubs.

“I think nowadays... some of the players are at some clubs, on a decent wage, and they’re OK with that... It’s the opposite to that now.”

He cited past Irish greats who consistently competed at elite levels and noted a stark difference today. 

“Now you walk into an Ireland squad – I think it was only Kelleher who was last at a big club at Liverpool, and he wasn't exactly a regular.

“Ireland do have a few players who strut around like they are players... they’ve got nothing to be arrogant about.”