Gary Breen has urged the FAI to resist the “PR stunt” of adding Robbie Keane to the Republic of Ireland coaching set-up before he proves his credentials.
Keane has been linked to a role with the Ireland Under-21s as he looks to make his first steps into management despite not officially ending his playing career.
Current Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has suggested Keane could be asked to coach his attacking players on finishing, but Breen feels Keane needs to bring more than just his ‘name’.
“He’s got to prove he’s a good coach,” Breen told OTB.
“He’s obviously our best ever player but there’s nothing to suggest he can coach. Robbie is one of my best friends and I’m not aware of that in terms of football.
“That’s just a typcial FAI scenario again to just get a name as such to build a bit of momentum. But we’ve seen it before with other players going to coach with the under-age groups.
“Kenny Cunningham, Kevin McPhail, Keith Andrews – they were all just brought in – and I’m not sure if any of them are still doing it. It just seems to be a little bit of a PR stunt.”
Despite his concerns, Breen insisted Keane has the potential to thrive in management thanks to his attributes as a person and a player.
“Absolutely. He did that as a young player as well,” Breen added.
“And that’s not just to do with his ability on the field. He has a presence about him and he’s not shy to put his thoughts forward.
“He’s a good thinker about the game but there’s a massive difference between being a captain and enforcing what the manager [wants in terms of] tactics and leading by example.
“To put on a session is a totally different skill set. If he’s got it - brilliant. In terms of what he’s achieved over the years, not just for Ireland but also as a young player going over to England, it bodes well.”
James Hopper
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