Martin O'Neill: 'We are trying to improve our retention of the ball, which is very important'

Martin O’Neill revealed he's aiming to implement a more possession-based game as younger players come in to replace the old guard heading towards retirement.

The Republic of Ireland manager spoke at the launch of the 2018 SportsDirect FAI Summer soccer schools at the Aviva stadium alongside his women's counterpart Colin Bell.

O’Neill was in a relaxed mood ahead of the launch and spoke all things Ireland, Celtic, Rangers, and about the continued success and importance of the soccer schools as it returns for its 22^nd year.

The upcoming friendly fixture for his Ireland team against Celtic on May 20^th was first on the agenda with O’Neill set to name his squad next Thursday for the series of friendlies in May/June against Celtic, France and lastly the USA.

“First of all, I’m going to have some players that are going to be involved in play-offs,” O’Neill said about the Celtic game.

“Some of the Premier League players might be looking for a little family holiday before we met up. The Scott Brown game came a wee bit after some of the lads had organised things.

“In fairness, they’ve talked about maybe changing plans, but if they have made this little family holiday and that’s the only opportunity they get, because players come back rather quickly now for pre-season, then I would say I’ll allow one or two at that time.

“It gives an opportunity for some younger players coming in to try and make their mark. That’s something I’m considering. It will probably be a wee bit more clear next week when I announce the squad.”

O’Neill also remembered fondly the last time that this fixture took place between Celtic and Ireland, for Jackie McNamara's testimonial, which also happened to be his last game in charge at Celtic Park.

“Wee Jackie was a terrific footballer for us, really good. Those were the days.

“When the torch is passed, you pass it onto someone else and it goes. I have been back to Celtic Park a few times, perhaps not as often as I would have wanted to, but it’s a great, great football club and hopefully when they play us they will have clinched the double-treble.”

The former Celtic manager is already fondly remembered by everyone involved at the club but will be held in an even higher regard after his thoughts on the current state of affairs at Rangers.

He said: “I do think that Rangers are desperately poor. I think if Celtic are going to improve in Europe, I believe they need a strong competitive Rangers to be with them.

"Celtic are a million miles the best team in Scotland, and Rangers’ competition, as you seen in recent weeks both in the cup semi-final and last week, is desperately weak.

“Let’s be fair about it, it is the weakest Rangers side I have ever, ever known and Celtic need them to be strong.

“A stronger and more competitive Rangers side would help Celtic in their quest for that extra stride in Europe.”

The squad that will be announced next week by O’Neill is one that is likely to be dominated by younger players.

These friendly games are an ideal opportunity for the management team to experiment as much as they can ahead of the Nations League games beginning in September.

“I’m trying to use these games for a particular purpose,” explained O’Neill

“I’m trying to blood some players coming through, which we will almost inevitably need for the matches coming up in September, October and November.

“If you have one or two of these players who have been in the camp then they don’t feel out of place coming into a competitive environment.

“The environment in Turkey was pretty relaxed, the weather was good and we got a bit of training in and there were things that we tried to work on. It was also a great exercise.

“We are still trying to improve our retention of the ball, which is very important.

“With the younger players coming through, I’m hoping that they will have the ability to do just that.”

Republic of Ireland managers Martin O'Neill and Colin Bell were speaking at the launch of the 2018 SportsDirect FAI Summer Soccer Schools. Bookings open now at www.summersoccerschools.ie.