European Qualifiers: Roy Keane says Republic of Ireland will recover from Scotland setback
Monday 17 November 2014 14:26, UK
Roy Keane says the Republic of Ireland must "take their medicine" after defeat in Scotland and come back stronger.
Friday's 1-0 result at Celtic Park ended Ireland's unbeaten start to the European Qualifiers and drew the Scots level with Martin O'Neill's side on seven points.
Ireland's next qualifier is not until March, when they host Group D leaders Poland, but in the meantime Tuesday's Dublin friendly agaisnt the United States represents an immediate chance to put things right.
"We're obviously very disappointed and hurting," said Keane, who insisted the management stood by a team selection which did not include record goalscorer Robbie Keane. "We've got a manager who likes to win along wth his staff and all his players, but there's a lot to play for and plenty of points to be won.
"I didn't expect to go through the whole campaign unbeaten - there were always going to be points dropped. We have to take the criticism, take our medicine and bounce back.
"We're not underestimating the disappointment - there was a big build-up, and it meant a lot to our supporters - but it's a setback. That's sport, that's football and we just have to get on with it.
"There's no words of wisdom for the players, just 'roll your sleeves up and get going again'. There's a game on Tuesday - I appreciate it's a friendly, but we focus on that.
"The next qualifier seems a long way away, but we knew that when we came into the job - if you have a disappointment you've a long time to sit wth it."
Keane refused to comment on the details of an incident in the run-up to the Scotland game which saw police called to the team hotel at his request.
But O'Neill's assistant laughed off suggestions the management duo's high profile restricts their freedom, saying: "We're not One Direction."
O'Neill, meanwhile has released LA Galaxy striker Keane and injured Everton midfielder Darron Gibson ahead of the USA game.
