please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Since the euphoria of reaching Euro 2016 in a play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland's build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by recent comments by assistant coach Roy Keane. please log in to view this image Roy Keane did not hold back in his criticism of a number of Republic of Ireland players The former Manchester United captain was scathing in his assessment of Ireland's players following an uninspiring 201 defeat to Belarus. Keane, who signed a new two-year deal to coach Ireland along with Martin O'Neill, said he wanted to "kill" the players after producing such a lacklustre performance on the eve of Euro 2016. We wanted to kill some of them [the players] last night,” Keane told the Irish Independent. “They should be counting their blessings that they’ve managed to get on the flight – it’s a reality check for one or two players who thought they were good players. “You can lack match sharpness, you can forgive a player for that but you’ve got to get yourself in a good state. Be fit. Be as strong as you can. Eat properly. Prepare properly. You’re playing international football. Control the bloody ball. Pass it to your mates and if you lose it, run back and run back like you care.” Jonathan Walters and Robbie Brady are both injury concerns for Martin O'Neill heading into the Sweden game. However O'Neill has been boosted by the return to fitness of Everton midfielder, James McCarthy, while Ireland's all-time leading goalscorer, Robbie Keane, is now in regular training and is hoping to prove his match fitness ahead of Monday's fixture. How wary should Republic of Ireland be of Sweden? After being placed in the so-called 'group of death' alongside Sweden, Italy and Belgium, Ireland's hopes of reaching the next round of the tournament will largely depend on their performance against Sweden. The Swede's warmed up for their first game of Euro 2016 with a 3-0 demolition of Wales in Stockholm. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who remains tight-lipped on his future, was the stand out player on the night and will be Sweden's talisman and focal point in attack. please log in to view this image Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be integral to Sweden's chances Asked how he planned to nullify the influence of the former Barcelona striker, Martin O'Neill joked: "We're going to try and infiltrate the Swedish camp and put something in his tea." History does not bode well for the Irish who have failed to beat Sweden in six competitive matches, losing four and recording two draws. Possible Starting Xl's please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Republic of Ireland win 11/8 Sweden win 9/4 Draw 2/1 please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
I thought I'd do a Match thread of this game as we have a lot of our Irish brothers on our board. C'mon the Irish please log in to view this image
Cheers nines and excellent job. If we can keep Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet, we have a chance of getting a result. Will be leaving work shortly to get home in time for kick-off. Too early (for me) for the pub. PS: we won the battle of the babes!
Come on Republic of Ireland! Really hope they do well. And wouldn't you love a manager with the passion of Roy Keane?
I'm on holiday right now in Mallorca. My wife has our daughter in green and an Ireland jersey, rules stipulate she is Ireland for rugby union, England for football. But I've relented for the holiday
Another pretty open game, some of the Irish players trying to be mini Roys after his last bollocking. Could still go either way.
1-1, a decent result but you'll be disappointed after leading and having more chances. Still everything to play for...
