Coaches key for Republic

The Republic of Ireland head into Euro 2016 as one of the clear outsiders for success in France and manager Martin O’Neill and his assistant Roy Keane may prove to be the most important people in their camp.

The Republic finished third in a tough qualifying group, beating Germany in the process, before defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs.

After being well beaten in all three of their games at Euro 2012, the Boys in Green face another tough pool having been drawn against Belgium, Italy and Sweden but the new format means an opening win over the Swedes is likely to see them through.

Following some decent results in recent months, Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Belarus demonstrated the dearth of depth within the squad. This means O’Neill and Keane will need to be at their inspirational best when motivating their troops.

Both men made their names as classy, yet fiery midfield players and have used these characteristics during in the dugout. Ireland teams of old have been sprinkled with quality but have largely been built around team spirit.

Their ability to produce a run of battling performances has been the key to their success in reaching the last 16 or better in their three previous World Cup appearances.

O’Neill and Keane will be trying to tune into these performances and if anything is to be read into their reactions to Tuesday’s defeat, their players will not be allowed to lose focus.

There is no doubt the Republic are underdogs going into Euro 2016 but if their talismanic coaches can inspire their troops, they could well cause a few upsets. The Republic are 11.00 to top Group E, with Belgium 2.00 and Italy 2.60 and Sweden priced at 7.00.