Irish too cheesy for Keane's taste

Roy Keane has revealed how he dreaded the build-up to internationals and slammed the Republic of Ireland's preparations which "handicapped" the team's chances.

In in his forthcoming autobiography being serialised in The Times, the former Ireland captain Keane condemned preparations for a World Cup qualifying game against Holland in Amsterdam when the players were given cheese sandwiches for their pre-match meal.

He claims McCarthy agreed to take on board some of his concerns ahead of the World Cup qualifying campaign, but did not implement any changes.

"McCarthy, having played in the (Jack) Charlton era, was aware of the shambles that was preparation for the Irish games," Keane said.

"The poor training ground at Clonshaugh. The crap gear. The travel arrangements that confined the players to economy class while the big shots sat up in business or first class. But nothing seemed to change.

"I dreaded the prospect of international weeks. I was proud to be Irish, but ashamed at the way we went about preparing for games. I kept my mouth shut. Don't rock the boat, Roy. But I knew we were handicapped by giving other footballing nations a headstart.

"We were also cheating the Irish fans who passionately followed us around the world."

Keane continued: "If anything, I thought things got worse. Our first qualifier was against Holland in Amsterdam. We travelled economy on the flight, checked ourselves in at the airport, carried our own bags and met at the airport hotel. We were given cheese sandwiches to eat. It was either that or a take-away pizza.

"I thought, was I wasting my time or what? At Old Trafford the manager would listen to everything, actually seek your opinion about everything, any little thing that might give the smallest advantage.