FORMER Celts Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have agreed new deal with the Republic of Ireland.
The Irish FA announced in June that the ex-Hoops boss and his staff had agreed extensions, but the paperwork remained unsigned, prompting speculation that an issue may have arisen.However, O’Neill confirmed the contract was now signed as he prepared his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova.He said: “I have signed a new deal, it was never an issue. Roy and the backroom staff have followed suit. We’re delighted.”
The news will provide reassurance for Republic fans who feared the delay could end in either O’Neill or Keane opting to return to club management
O’Neill guided the Republic to successful qualification for Euro 2016, where they memorably defeated Italy before losing to hosts France.
The Irish are now trying to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and made a promising start, drawing 2-2 in Serbia earlier this month.
O’Neill’s men will play host to Georgia on October 6 before taking on Moldova in Chisinau on the following Sunday.
Anthony Stokes, now at Blackburn Rovers, has been overlooked in the squad, but there are places for ex-Celts Aiden McGeady and Daryl Murphy.
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CELTIC author Paul John Dykes speaks to ex-Celtic captain, Andy Lynch, about his forthcoming autobiography, ‘Hoops, Stars & Stripes’.
In episode 1 of this exclusive CQN webcast, ‘On The Road’, Andy reminisces about his early days in junior football, and how it was Hearts who finally signed him on professional forms in 1969.
Join Andy Lynch in this exclusive three-part CQN webcast, where he takes a walk down memory lane in advance of the release of his autobiography, ‘Hoops, Stars & Stripes’, which is released by CQN Books in October 2016.
On the Road with Andy Lynch Part 1 is displayed below. Part 2 will be posted next Friday.
