Roy Keane has launched another verbal tirade on the Republic of Ireland squad.
The former Irish captain was highly critical of his nation's defence following their 4-0 loss to Spain - a result which knocked them out of Euro 2012 with only two games played.
Having had time to reflect on his comments, the 40-year-old has insisted that he stands by every word.
"You`ll never beat the Irish? It's time for that song to be put away because, at the moment, everyone is beating them. I`m sick of this 'win, lose, we're on the booze' mentality. It has to change," he wrote in his column in the The Sun. "The likes of Robbie Keane, Shay Given, Richard Dunne, John O'Shea and Damien Duff are picked every game as they have a big reputation. A reputation for what? They hadn`t qualified for anything in ten years.
"They love having a dig back when I say something but I tell you now, I'll be ready if they do because players have to be accountable for how the team did.
"I'm trying to be constructive but the manager and players all have to be accountable. It's not good shrugging our shoulders and having a sing-song."
The former Manchester United midfielder made 67 appearances for his country, scoring nine goals in the process.
Liam Apicella
