What's the deal with Keane and Ireland?

[bilsim]

I'm seeing a lot of talk around various sites and threads that Ireland and Keane can't/won't play together. Am I ignorant to something, do they not see eye to eye? Or is it something to do with Ireland quitting internationals? Just seems a little strange to me.

[Toronto Villa]

We'll find out tomorrow. I can't believe that's the case because I'd assume that they wouldn't train together either. I'm sure all of the Irish lads hav reached out to Ireland to reconsider including the captain.

[SheffieldVillain]

I just read it as people thinking that Keane and Ireland wouldn't fit into the same team because they play best in a similar position, not that they had an issue with each other.

[Chipsticks]

I doubt that this would be the case, but in fairness if it was gonna be anyone it would be Ireland. I'm sure, others have suggested, that it's more to do with how they don't fit into the same system - after all, we've been playing Keane just behind the striker; the position Ireland would ideally occupy.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm sure this isn't the case, but if it was then we should be focused on keeping Ireland happy since he is actually our player.

[Dante Lavelli]

I'm sure there were rumours that Keane was one of the players that bullied Ireland whilst on international duty which resulted in Ireland retiring.  However I think it is more likely that it is a tactics thing as they both take up similar positions.

Personally I'd play Ireland and use Keane as an impact player for the last 20-30 minutes.

[Pete3206]

File in the 'bollocks' folder.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

I'm sure this isn't the case, but if it was then we should be focused on keeping Ireland happy since he is actually our player.

No. Focus on getting Ireland to respond to greater competition in his area of the team.

[PaulWinch again]

I'm sure this isn't the case, but if it was then we should be focused on keeping Ireland happy since he is actually our player.

No. Focus on getting Ireland to respond to greater competition in his area of the team.

In fairness before being injured last week, he was excellent for a few games in a row. I don't see how he wasn't responding.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

I'm sure this isn't the case, but if it was then we should be focused on keeping Ireland happy since he is actually our player.

No. Focus on getting Ireland to respond to greater competition in his area of the team.

In fairness before being injured last week, he was excellent for a few games in a row. I don't see how he wasn't responding.

Sorry, I'm not saying Ireland hasn't responded - I've been singing his praises of late and been very happy with him. I have just never agreed with the idea of selecting anyone on the basis it might keep them happy or they might want to up and leave if dropped. It's probably a debate that may raise it head more with Darren Bent if he isn't producing. 

[TheSandman]

I don't think we'd be daft enough to sign a player, even on a short term deal, who one of our existing, better players has a long standing problem with.

[Matt Collins]

I was talking purely tactically. They both play in more or less the same position. Or more accurately, I'm not at all convinced Ireland can play in midfield in a 442; and I think keane really needs to play as a second striker, centrally.

[Handsworth Wood Villa]

Keane used to bully Ireland on international duty.

[Jimmy Smash]

Unfortunate for Ireland then that Keane will be the first name on the team sheet tomorrow.

[CorkVilla]

I don't know I think alot of that stuff about Ireland being bullied was complete rubbish. I think if a person in any job turned up for work one day wearing a wig they could expect a certain amount of slagging. Ireland has always denied it as have any of the other Irish players when asked.

Ireland had issues with playing for his country going right back to underage level, I have a vague recollection of him having a row with the Irish u-19 manager Brian Kerr and being sent home from some tournament. As already stated, I think Keane occupies pretty much the same position as that which Ireland operates in, so it's hard to see the two of them gelling in the same team.