Roy Keane has revealed details of his first ever battle with the FAI – he was fined £100 when he opted to play for Cobh Ramblers ahead of Cork City as a teenager.
Speaking in UCC at an event to launch Cork City’s Patronage Scheme Keane, describing how he joined Cobh despite having an agreement in place with Cork City, said: “I got charged. The FAI charged me – that was probably the start of things to come.”
Keane was fined £100 for reneging on his deal with City, which Cobh would go on to pay, and the former Ireland captain went on to speak glowingly of his time in League of Ireland football before building his career with Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
Meanwhile, the Irish assistant also revealed how Stephen Ireland’s granny (no sniggering down the back) tried to persuade him to pick the 27-year-old Stoke City midfielder.
Ireland, of course, has not played for his country since the infamous ‘Grannygate’ case of 2007.
“I spoke with the grandmother this morning – she was on the flight coming over – and she asked me would he get back involved,” Keane told a question-and-answer session at University College Cork. “I couldn’t lie to her. I said he’d have a chance if he’s playing well.”
Keane said he thought Ireland had already spoken to the coach Martin O’Neill. “I think Martin had a conversation with him, and all that needs to fall into place.
“We all know how talented Stephen is and Martin will look at that. We wouldn’t be shutting the door on any player. What is important for any player, and Stephen is the same, is it does help to be playing week-in week-out.
“He’s obviously had a difficult spell. He’s only just got a run of games at Stoke now. So I certainly wouldn’t be ruling anyone out.”
