Roy Keane opens up on working with Martin O'Neill as he pinpoints the highlight of his career
Roy Keane says his time as the Republic of Ireland's assistant boss was the highlight of his career.
Keane was part of Martin O'Neill's Ireland coaching setup from 2013 to 2018 as the country qualified for Euro 2016 and lost in a playoff to make the 2018 World Cup.
And while the former Manchester United captain hung up his boots as one of the most declared players in the game, he counts his time in the Ireland dugout as a pinnacle.
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Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said: "I go back throughout my career and my experience with Martin, particularly going to the Euros, was probably the highlight of my career.
"It sounds bizarre because we always talk about playing, and I loved playing, but our time with Ireland was probably the highlight.
"I just loved everything about it. The dynamics, the energy of the group, working with Martin and the other staff members. There was something going on there and there was a feel-good factor.
"The lads were decent. We probably did lack an out-and-out goalscorer, a bit of quality, all of those things, but we got to the Euros, we got to the playoffs [for the World Cup]. It was one of the best times of my life."
Keane's coaching career with Ireland wasn't without some controversy, including a training ground bust-up with Jonathan Walters and Harry Arter.
But the Corkman, speaking in the company of O'Neill, insists he has no regrets over the incident that became public knowledge thanks to a leaked WhatsApp message.
"I wouldn't say Martin would give me leeway, but he knew my personality and would let me bring that to the squad.
"I obviously had to know boundaries. I probably fell out with two players that I would have no time for because, to me, they weren't training properly.
"I would rather fall out with them than not do my job, ignore it and pretend it's not happening.
"The one or two players I fell out with Ireland I have no problem with that because they weren't doing what we wanted them to do.
"I would regret more if I kept my mouth shut and said nothing."
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