Chris Sutton has given a fascinating insight into the managerial style of Martin O’Neill.
The Ireland boss was in the spotlight again this week after steering his side into the World Cup play-off’s at the expense of Wales.
Chris Coleman’s side went into the match ahead of Ireland in the group, on form and with home advantage.
When Shane Long called off injured on Monday morning Ireland’s attacking options were further reduced with former Celt Daryl Murphy the only striker available.
O’Neill’s single mindedness to succeed allowed Wales the bulk of the first half possession but in the 57th minute James McClean didn’t hesitate to drill in the only goal of the game.
It was a ‘benchmark’ O’Neill performance and exactly as Sutton remembered from their days together at Celtic more than a decade ago.
“When I played for him, Martin was not someone I felt you could get close to,” Sutton admitted in the Daily Mail. “He was difficult to read and you never knew what he was thinking, but when he gave you praise, it made you feel a million dollars.
“Martin was the master of the dressing room. He never lost an argument and while he ruled with a strong hand, he was always fair. Henrik Larsson would often bail us out but Martin would not be afraid to rip into him if he felt things were not going right. Equally, he knew when to put an arm around someone who needed a confidence boost.
“Where Martin has the X-factor is in his ability to galvanise and lift a group of players. He’s done it pretty much everywhere he has managed.”
Looking at Ireland’s win over Wales Sutton added: “Now, with the Republic of Ireland, he has got a group of players from middling Premier League and Championship clubs well and truly punching above their weight.
“This is one of the weakest Ireland teams I can remember and yet Martin has taken them to the brink of qualification for the World Cup.
“Wales may have been without Gareth Bale on Monday night but what about the players Martin was missing? Without Jon Walters and Shane Long, Ireland had to rely on 34-year-old Nottingham Forest striker Daryl Murphy to lead their line.
“In Cardiff, Ireland were extremely well organised, dogged and hard to beat. Martin has had to put up with a lot of stick about how Ireland do not play attractive football but he does not listen to all the outside noise. He does what is necessary to get results.”
On Tuesday Ireland will find out their play-off opponents with Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Denmark the possible opponents.