He was in flying form.
Martin O’Neill and Robbie Brady took to the table in the Republic of Ireland’s final press conference before their big game against Denmark tomorrow in Copenhagen.
The press conference was only two questions old when O’Neill was asked about the penalty decision which robbed Northern Ireland of a draw last night in their play-off game.
“It looked a pretty poor decision. I obviously sympathise with that and if it ends up deciding the tie then it will be very disappointing.
The same reporter asked O’Neill if he was in favour of video referees.
“Oh, that’s a discussion for another day. It’s a long discussion… if you want to sit down afterwards and have a cup of tea with me we’ll discuss it, but not tonight.
The journalist seemed keen enough about O’Neill’s offer which led to the manager asking him if he took sugar and whether he likes his tea black or white to which the journalist replied ‘white, no sugar please.’
“Mm, oh, not so sure about that,” says O’Neill, ignoring the next question about the seriousness of the upcoming game against Denmark for a few seconds.
He stares at the reporter, makes a rather puzzled face and the couple of seconds between where he lets out the ‘Mm’ noise and moves on to the next question is… something different.
O’Neill admitted that he was happy that one of his former players, Martin Laursen, wasn’t playing tomorrow. Laursen played at Aston Villa under the manager.
“Well, I’m pleased he’s not playing tomorrow because he is a colossus is Martin. Absolutely fantastic for me at Aston Villa. He was a top quality centre-half and a brilliant person.
He also managed Danish player, Nicklas Bendtner, and said that his time with the striker “was very interesting as only Nicklas can be. Obviously, a good footballer, really good player. When he set his mind to it, he was excellent but he had to set his mind to it.”
