The Irish players will turn their attentions to the Euros – after agreeing a Euro deal with the FAI.
All outstanding cash issues over bonus payments for the European Championship qualification have been sorted.
Captain Robbie Keane has revealed that the players and the FAI did a deal in Dublin over bonuses.
Speaking ahead of his 115th appearance for Ireland in Wednesday night’s friendly with the Czech Republic, Keane confirmed agreement has been reached.
“There’s no problem, it’s all sorted,” Keane told reporters at an Irish team press conference.
“There will be a statement coming out in next few days. Everything will be very clear.
“It was a very short meeting. It was amicable and everything is positive.”
The FAI is expected to receive over $10million in fees from UEFA for European qualification.
Keane will be asked to play behind striker Shane Long when Ireland host the Czechs at the Aviva Stadium.
Manager Giovanni Trapattoni said: “Two years ago, maybe three years ago I said about Robbie, Robbie can play like Totti. Remember? I said he can play in this position and he can play well.
“At this moment, I want to give Robbie the opportunity to play between the midfield and a striker, because he can read the game and feel how the game will be.
“Long is a player who can allow Robbie to play deep. For the last month, I have watched Spain and Croatia and other teams, and I want to try this.
“The Czech game is a test of this situation. I think Robbie can do both jobs well.”
Keane is happy to fill the new role for Ireland and has done a similar job for several clubs, including Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old said: “At club level over the years, I have always played in that role. My role is a little bit different for Ireland.
“I play a bit higher up and get on to flick-ons, which we have been very successful with over the years, so in that respect, I am used to playing that position.
“That is my position, to be honest with you. I am sort of a number 10, if you like and play in between the striker and the midfield.
“That’s certainly been more the case in the last couple of months with Aston Villa, but since I have been playing, that’s kind of the position I have played, certainly in England.
“But when I’m with the Irish team, it’s a little bit different.”
Comments