Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has insisted that he has no problem with assistant Roy Keane speaking his mind.

Keane recently hit the headlines after accusing Everton manager Roberto Martinez of putting pressure on two of his players not to play for Ireland.

The former midfielder also aimed his vitriol at the media in the same press conference, leading to questions over whether he is a positive influence in the Irish camp.

However, O'Neill has claimed that he is more than happy to have Keane around as Ireland look to qualify for Euro 2016.

"Every single time that you mention Roy, it either seems to be a distraction or another issue. Let me tell you straight, I'm delighted to have him," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"I chose in the first place to bring him in here, he's been terrific, he's really been terrific. He has been terrific around the lads, he has been great. He has been everything that I wanted him to be.

"He's got a mind of his own, he can say what he wants. Again, unless it's absolutely and utterly in contradiction with what I am saying to you, then I do not have a problem with it. It is not an issue all the time."

Ireland's Euro 2016 qualifying campaign suffered a setback in Friday night with a 1-0 defeat to Scotland.