Delaney denies issues with Roy Keane but contradicts one Martin O'Neill comment

Damien Delaney has denied that he has any issues with Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane as the Crystal Palace defender effectively announced his retirement from international soccer.

The 34-year-old has not been a regular choice for Ireland under current manager Martin O'Neill.

Amid speculation regarding his relationship with Keane - for whom he played under and clashed with at Ipswich - Delaney clarified that there was no enmity with his former club manager.

But he did allude to disagreements with "certain aspects"

In a lengthy Instagram post, he said: "I have no issue with Roy Keane and shook his hand this summer at a Cork City European match. I know that at the age of 34 the future of Irish football does not lie with me, the rigours of Premier League football and the 24/7 dedication required takes its toll so I look on the international break as a chance to recover, that said I spoke to Martin O Neill and contrary to his recent comments I never asked for a regular starting position. I did however disagree with certain aspects which out of respect to Martin and the national team will remain private."

 

Good afternoon... I just want to clarify my position with regards to the Ireland national team and my omission from the current squad. I have no issue with Roy Keane and shook his hand this summer at a Cork City European match. I know that at the age of 34 the future of Irish football does not lie with me, the rigours of premier league football and the 24/7 dedication required takes its toll so I look on the international break as a chance to recover, that said I spoke to Martin O Neill and contrary to his recent comments I never asked for a regular starting position. I did however disagree with certain aspects which out of respect to Martin and the national team will remain private. Ireland need to plan for the long term even if it means sacrificing one maybe two major tournaments. We need to build an identity and team ethos from schoolboy football to full international that will last. I understand people weren't enamoured with Mr. Trapattoni but whether you agreed with his philosophy or not you have to respect the man and the results he achieved with his philosophy. There are many footballing philosophies and we need to choose one that suits Irish traits and strengths best, similar to what Wales are now achieving or what Mr. Trapattoni achieved in his time in charge. I'll always be an ardent supporter and wish I could of contributed more... #coybig #identity

A photo posted by Damien Delaney (@ddelaney27) on Aug 19, 2015 at 9:16am PDT

The Corkman also had comments about the future of the game in this country.

"Ireland need to plan for the long term even if it means sacrificing one maybe two major tournaments. We need to build an identity and team ethos from schoolboy football to full international that will last," he said.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.