TOMMY BOYD KNOWS the current Ireland manager better than most.
When Martin O’Neill led Celtic to a domestic treble in his first season in 2001, long-serving defender Boyd was his club captain. The Scot, who hung up his boots in 2003, speaks glowingly about a man with “a real command” of the English language, who swiftly gained the respect of the players and “didn’t lose too many arguments”.
O’Neill came off second best when his wits were pitted against Gordon Strachan back in November, Scotland winnning 1-0 in Glasgow thanks to a Shaun Maloney goal, and Boyd sees similarities in the two former Hoops bosses.
“They’re both winners and you can see that coming right through them,” Boyd said during a visit to Dublin last week. “They’re enthusiastic about the game as well and have a real passion for their football.
“Martin comes alive on match day but Gordon is probably like that 24 hours-a-day. Even at training I hear. They think about the game very deeply, just so passionate about it.
“There are many ways to win a football game as we’ve seen down the years. So there’s two contrasting styles there but in terms of their management, they’re very, very passionate.”
Strachan appears to have rejuvenated the players at his disposal as well as the Tartan Army during his two years at the helm. Not only have the team been competitive in a difficult qualification group, they are doing so with a refreshing brand of football and Boyd is an advocate of the new adventurous style.
There is a renewed enthusiasm about the team and there is a pride back in the performances,” Boyd added. “It’s not just about getting the results, which is vitally important, it’s the way the team are trying to play football under Gordon.
“There are some key players, important players for us who are playing very, very well. They are playing the way he wants the team to play. When we had success when I was playing way back all those years ago we were built on solidity, on not giving much away and winning 1-0 quite often. This team is slightly different, they are more adventurous.
“It’s more entertaining. It’s about trying to get the balance of getting to a championship eventually, but you do want to see attractive football. I think the way Gordon has gone about it, he is getting both – success and performances.”
Most are predicting another tight affair when the teams face off at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening, and Boyd has backed a narrow win for the visitors.
“Scotland will win 1-0 with a set-piece with ten minutes left,” he said. “I think there will be a bit more quality in this one and undoubtedly there will be passion but Scotland by the odd goal.”
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