Shane Long reflected with real honesty on what it will feel like to watch this summer's World Cup without Ireland in it, and why the pain of missing out is tempered by genuine belief that the squad has the quality to challenge. Speaking to BOYLE Sports , he also explained why England's level of confidence heading into this tournament is something he has simply never witnessed before from that nation.
From the international picture, Long moved to one of the biggest managerial stories in British football: who should replace Martin O'Neill at Celtic if the veteran manager decides to step away. His answer was Robbie Keane , and he made the case with the kind of personal knowledge that only comes from years sharing a dressing room.
He also explained what a Keane appointment would mean for Rangers , why the Celtic squad only needs confidence and direction to dominate again, and why Damien Duff is another name the club should have on their list.
World Cup 2026
Ireland Missing Out
It was massively disappointing. With two games to go in the group stages, it was just doom and gloom. It has been a long time since Ireland had that level of excitement about football again. The way they beat Portugal and Hungary to reach the playoffs meant the whole country was buzzing, but it just managed to slip away at the last minute. You can see the team is good enough, and when the manager has that confidence back in them, they can challenge any side.
It is an exciting time because it has been a tough ten years for football in Ireland , so hopefully they can get a good start to this campaign and kick on. You would like to see the home nations do well, but I would also like to see Brazil succeed. Growing up, Brazil represented the ultimate footballing flair, but they have faded slightly over the last decade.
It would be nice to see them return to that style of play seen from the likes of Ronaldinho and Ronaldo . England also have a great chance with an unbelievable squad. The only concern is the weather and how they will handle the heat, playing every four days, but they have the depth to deal with that pressure. I have never seen a country so confident going into a World Cup .
England's World Cup Chances
England have the players, but it is not easy. For me, I think he has left out a few of the bigger names because I do not know if he wants the drama of them not playing or sitting on the bench or in the stands. He is bringing in guys who will put their best face on, no matter if they are starting or not, and people willing to back up the team without losing on quality. It is going to be hard to leave the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of a team.
You saw it in the last competition; Palmer kept coming on, ripping up, and scoring in the final. Everyone was calling for him to start, and it kind of puts an extra pressure on the manager. I am sure he has his starting eleven and has picked players who can back them up as well.
Scottish Football
Keane Ready For Celtic
Robbie has been unbelievable. I played with him and saw firsthand how good he was, but he just loves the game. You could see him moving into coaching because, towards the end of his career, he was pulling players aside to give advice and talk them through different moments in a game. It was brilliant for me to learn from. You could see him stepping into a managerial role, and the way he has done it at Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ferencvaros has been impressive.
I saw a stat recently showing he has a sixty-six percent win record, which is unbelievable for a new manager. He has found his feet quickly and fits the mould well; he is Irish , played there, and is a strong Celtic fan. I think the fans would get on board with him coming in. He is a young manager learning his trade, and it would be a great stepping stone in his career, though I am sure they have other options.
Robbie would be high up the list, but another option for me would be Damien Duff . I really liked him as a coach with Ireland and how he carries himself, and he has that Celtic connection as well. The win percentage naturally goes up at Celtic . There are probably only two or three games a season against Rangers or Hearts where a win is fifty-fifty; they seem to stroll through most other games.
Europe might bring that percentage down, but it is an amazing club. Football is like a religion up there, so it is a massive job to take on. It is not just a stepping stone; it is a huge role where you really need to know what you are doing.
Martin O'Neill's Legacy
I reckon it is Martin O'Neill's decision to make. He has gone in there and turned the performances around, instilling belief in the squad and somehow managing to secure the title and the cup as well. It is extraordinary what he has done there. I am sure Dermot Desmond will want him to stay and continue the job he is doing, but Martin might feel it is just too much of a task for him. Having someone with the footballing brain of Martin O'Neill , who understands the club so well, involved in the process of signing a new manager would be good for everybody.
A Worrying Time For Rangers
Would Robbie Keane going in at Celtic be a worrying time for Rangers ? Definitely. The only thing missing, because they have the players and the squad, was just that confidence in the dressing room and in the way of playing, alongside a belief in the manager. Robbie will instil that because I know him personally. I think his love for the game will rub off on the players as well, and they will see how much it means.
I am not comparing him to Pep , but you can see that in Pep as well, the way he just lives and breathes football. Robbie's the same sort of guy and person. Having those ties with the club and that Celtic connection in his blood will come out in the dressing room. Celtic have done well getting new signings in, especially the Japanese players coming in and dominating. It could be a new-look Celtic next year. I would like to see Robbie in there at the helm and taking them to greater things.
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Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
