Roy Keane did not look happy at the World Cup in Russia. He seldom does, of course, but playing the role of pundit as opposed to something more prominent would appear to itch at his pride.
It is a strength, not a weakness, a character trait that demands he be the one provoking comment as opposed to passing it. In fact, he looked bored as much as irritated.
It begs the question, how much longer will he continue in his role as assistant manager of Republic of Ireland? And will he ever return to club football in the manager’s hotseat?
Keane greets Conor Hourihane as the Ireland squad reconvened in Abbotstown
Keane will be in the shadow of Martin O’Neill when Ireland face Wales in Cardiff in their Nations League opener on Thursday, and then again in Poland next week for a friendly match.
By the time 2018 passes, he will not have been involved in a competitive fixture – an international qualifier or finals match – in a prestigious competition for the entirety of the calendar year. That, too, must surely rankle.
Keane was involved in a training-ground row with Ireland pair Harry Arter and Jonathan Walters before a friendly against USA in June. Arter has since made himself unavailable for selection and O’Neill says the argument may have been a factor.
You have to wonder, however, if boredom played a part in Keane clashing with two of his players. He is a man who thrives on competition, confrontation, even. That meaningless kickabout in front of a half-empty Aviva Stadium in the summer could hardly have been a thrill to be around.
Keane actually watched Arter in action recently, taking in a dire goalless draw between his loan club Cardiff and Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.
But is that what Keane – one of the greatest players of his generation – has been reduced to on a Saturday afternoon? Sat alone, watching 80 minutes of the weekend’s worst game to check on just one Ireland player – and one who does not, it would appear, want to play for the country as long as Keane is on the staff.