Keane: we'll help FAI pick

Robbie Keane has revealed that he and several of the Ireland international players will help the FAI choose the next Ireland international boss. The error of judgment recruiting Steve Staunton as Ireland boss could have been avoided, believes the Spurs striker.

Keane said: "If they (the FAI) want to ask us, then it's not a problem. A few of the senior players are going to have a chat with John, and whatever they want to ask us, we'll give a fair opinion as much as we can. That's all we can do."

He added: "It's up to the people over us to get somebody in place, but we will certainly give our opinion if that is what they want.

Apart from conceding any new manager would "need a thick skin", Spurs striker Keane declined to offer too much insight into the other qualities required for the job.

"It's not my job to tell the FAI what kind of manager we need. It's up to them.

"I know Paul Jewell is someone who could do a good job because he is a good manager.

"But I can only go on what I've heard from other people, that he did a great job at Wigan.

"There are so many other people being mentioned, and whoever takes over will get the full support of everyone."