CHRIS COLEMAN HAS said he will have his “ears closed” to any comments made by Ireland assistant boss Roy Keane in the lead up to Friday’s Ireland-Wales World Cup qualifier.
Keane is not one to shy away from expressing a strong opinion, and Man United boss Jose Mourinho was the latest target of his ire, with the Corkman recently suggesting the job could be “too big” for the Portuguese coach.
Coleman, however, emphasised his great respect for Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.
“He’s a shrewd and intelligent man and he’s done a great job,” he told reporters.
“If Martin says something, I’ll pay attention to that as he’s one of the managers I respect the most.”
The former Fulham defender added that he does not expect any ill feeling on the sideline for the upcoming pivotal clash at the Aviva Stadium.
“Sometimes it gets the better of you, but nothing’s going to happen.
“I’ve only ever reacted if the opposition manager or coach has said something derogatory about one of my players.
“If it’s going to get a little bit spiky, it’s not really my style. I’ll be concentrating on what we need to do against the Republic.”
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