Ben Blake reports from Versailles
MARTIN O’NEILL HAS revealed that he has yet to physically sign a new deal with the FAI.
The Derryman had been in talks to extend his stay as Ireland manager beyond this summer, when his first contract was due to expire, and stated on a number of occasions that he was “relaxed” about the situation.
With the Euro 2016 finals just days away, an announcement wasn’t expected until after the tournament but the FAI released a statement on Tuesday confirming that O’Neill and his management team were sticking around for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, speaking to the media after the team’s first training session in Versailles this afternoon, the Ireland boss clarified that he has a verbal agreement with FAI chief executive John Delaney.
“I’ve shaken hands with John, that’s all that’s necessary,” said O’Neill. ” John felt that going into the Euros it might be a decent thing to do so fine. I’m happy with it.
O’Neill, who stated that he has “implicit trust” in Delaney, later added:
We have shaken hands and that’s good enough. I think John wanted to do that (announcing just ahead of departure to France) and I’m pleased to follow suit.
“It is very important for continuity and gives us a little bit of stability going into the competition.”
Hundreds of French school children and Ireland fans showed up to the Stade de Montbauron to cheer on the Boys in Green at an open training session today.
The pitch may have been waterlogged just six days ago due to flooding, but O’Neill has been impressed with the set-up at the home of FC Versailles and in their nearby hotel at the Trianon Palace.
We’re delighted with it,” he said. “I came out with Roy and John Delaney some months ago and I can’t fault the place.
“It’s terrific – the hotel is lovely, the facilities are excellent, the pitch has improved a great deal since we were out a few months ago and everyone has been very generous with their time so I can’t complain.
“It has gone really fine. The weather has been lovely and I think the boys are in good spirits.”
While the squad took part in a full-size training match with captain Robbie Keane playing as a floater, Jon Walters remains the main injury worry ahead of Monday’s clash with Sweden.
The Stoke City forward took part in some stretching, running and passing with the FAI’s head of fitness Dan Horan at the side of the pitch.
“Jon Walters trained on his own, or with Dan (fitness man), and he is improving,” explained O’Neill.
Everybody else seems to be good. He has a few days yet and he’s improving. Both Robbies (Keane and Brady) trained and hopefully they come out of that alright. We’ll see later on this afternoon.”
With four days to go until Ireland line out against Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Co at the Stade de France, O’Neill has a fair idea of his starting line-up but plans to give Walters every chance to make it.
“I think that injuries have to be taken into consideration,” he said. “You had Robbie Brady out for a few days and Jon Walters. Jon has been a big part of the team and we’ll have to wait to see.
“I’ve a decent idea of the side but the players are very keen to start the game and a lot of them feel that they have got a chance of playing, which is good.”
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