Sometimes we can all take life a bit too seriously. If you were to read into Roy Keane's remarks after the 2-1 friendly defeat to Belarus in Turners Cross, you'd think Saipan II was on the cards.
The Corkman said he 'felt like killing some of the players' during the last warm up match and several should 'consider themselves lucky to have been selected' for the tournament squad.
Jeff Hendrick and Daryl Murphy need to 'step-up their work-rate' and Roys remarks on Aiden McGeady? 'He can do a lot better but maybe that's the story of Aiden's career?'. Ouch.
But speaking at the Today FM Cork Opera House Bon Voyage to the Boys in Green event, the Ireland assistant manager clarified his comments.
And despite the Belarus defeat, the Republic squads performances over the qualifying campaign are giving Martin O' Neill cause for optimism before the tournament kick off.
