Martin O’Neill has stepped into the row between Roy Keane and Aiden McGeady.
Keane was typically blunt and hard hitting after Ireland’s defeat from Belarus with his criticism of McGeady especially cutting.
While other players were criticised for their performance on the night the out of favour Everton midfielder had his career written off as one of unfulfilled potential.
McGeady started the Euro 2016 campaign with two priceless goals away to Georgia but heads to France with his career at a crossroads.
A loan move to Sheffield Wednesday failed to have the desired effect while the prospect of a Goodison revival looks unlikely as Ronald Koeman prepares to spend spend spend.
On his day the 30-year-old could be a match winner in France with O’Neill anxious to play down any thought of a rift between the Everton man and his assistant manager.
Confirming that Keane and McGeady had spoken face to face O’Neill said: “Roy’s already had a word with him. Roy’s words were slightly on the strong side. Any pieces of criticism the players get from Roy or myself they take on board or dismiss it accordingly.
“People like to be praised, reasonably often [but] people have to take a bit of criticism on the chin too. Aiden is old enough to take it but I think he appreciated the apology from Roy.”
Robbie Keane is Ireland’s main fitness concern ahead of Monday’s opener against Sweden with the experienced LA Galaxy man now being used as back up to Shane Long and Jon Walters.