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Wes Brown has backed Roy Keane as a strong candidate to manage the Republic of Ireland.
Despite not having held a managerial role for over a decade, former Manchester United star Brown believes Keane's experience remains a valuable asset. If Keane does take the Ireland job, he'll likely have Caoimhin Kelleher, the former Liverpool goalkeeper who saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty during the ongoing international break, as his No. 1.
Keane's last stint in management concluded with Ipswich Town in 2011, and he has since served as an assistant at Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Ireland. However, it's been six years since the former midfielder worked in such a capacity, having left Forest alongside Martin O'Neill.
The 54-year-old hasn't dismissed the idea of a return to the dugout and has previously engaged in discussions with the Football Association of Ireland about taking the reins of the team.
Brown is of the opinion that Keane's infamous intensity could be beneficial, assuming he has learned how to harness it effectively in a contemporary management context.
"I actually think Roy Keane could be a great fit for Ireland now," Brown told 10bet Casino. "He's had some time away from management, but he's got experience. He managed at Sunderland, Ipswich, he was an assistant at Aston Villa.
"I think if you listen to some of the players he coached, they found he was maybe too intense. I'm not sure you can be that strong with your management at every occasion, and I think he's now had time to reflect on that.
"So that was probably his problem, and he'll know that. I would also say that Roy can't take all the blame, the players he had have to take some responsibility. You can still see that he loves the game, and I think now he'd be able to adapt, which is what the game is about."
Brown reckons the ideal assistant for Keane is already positioned perfectly. The former versatile defender has identified John O'Shea as the perfect partnership material. O'Shea currently serves as assistant manager for Ireland under Heimir Hallgrimsson.
The Icelandic boss assumed the role in 2024 and has secured four victories from his initial 13 fixtures at the helm. Brown considers Keane a worthwhile appointment, particularly alongside his former teammate.
The ex-England international explained: "John's very intelligent.
"He watches a lot of football and sees a lot of what's happening. He tells me they've got a really promising bunch of lads coming through in the younger sides, the under-21s and under-18s.
"There's the potential there for what could be the emergence of a really strong team over the next few years. O'Shea's been assistant managing for years now, five or six, so he's got plenty of experience he can draw upon.
"He and Keane know each other and respect each other, so there would be no problem for them to work as a team. You'd just have to give them a chance now and see how it goes."
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