Roy Keane shoots down Wayne Rooney's claim about Ireland team's celebrations
Former Manchester United players Wayne Rooney and Roy Keane (Image: Getty Images)Roy Keane has quickly shut down Wayne Rooney's claims that the Republic of Ireland's celebrations for beating Hungary were "over the top".Having looked dead and buried in the World Cup qualification campaign, Ireland pulled off an unlikely 2-0 victory over Portugal in Dublin to leave them needing a win in the final game against Hungary in Budapest last Sunday.Hungary twice went ahead in the contest, but a Troy Parrott hat-trick, the last goal coming in the 96th minute, sent the Ireland players and fans wild.The Boys in Green are now two games away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 2002 - and will face Czechia in a play-off semi-final in March.But former England striker Rooney thinks that Ireland's jubilant celebrations on Sunday were too much."I think it was a little bit over the top," Rooney said, speaking on Stick To Football. "I get it, but the celebrations, I thought they had actually qualified."This comment did not fly with former Ireland captain Keane, though, who was quick to defend his country."What I would say about that Wayne, is that Ireland have been so bad the last few years," Keane said. "For them to get the win in Hungary with the last kick of the game, there's a lot of work still to be done to qualify obviously, but I wouldn't begrudge them that moment."For that team that has been struggling for so many years, to give a bit of a lift to the country."To get back-to-back wins, beating Portugal was huge, then you go and beat Hungary with the last kick of the game. If you can't enjoy them moments..."I wouldn't begrudge them it, enjoy that moment."Rooney responded: "I get what Roy said, I understand that. I just think it was a little bit too much."Ireland found out on Thursday that they will be taking on Czechia in the World Cup qualifying play-offs in March.If the Boys in Green make it through that assignment, either Denmark or North Macedonia will be standing in their way of a place at the World Cup.Click here to sign up to our soccer newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from the League of Ireland and beyond
