Ireland warned NOT to appoint Roy Keane as manager by Gabby Agbonlahor who hated working under him

Gabby Agbonlahor has warned the Republic of Ireland not to appoint Roy Keane as their next manager.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that Stephen Kenny would be departing after the Football Association of Ireland chose not to renew his contract.

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Keane has previously served as assistant manager for IrelandCredit: getty

The Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2024, but the final straw came as they capped off a frustrating year with a draw against New Zealand on Tuesday.

They are now in search of a new manager with Neil Lennon, Lee Carsley and Chris Hughton among the names to have been suggested.

But one candidate who could be in the running has sparked disapproval from talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor.

After Manchester United legend Keane name was suggested as a potential option on talkSPORT Breakfast, Agbonlahor, who previously branded him as a ‘bitter person’, was quick to make his feelings known.

He said: “I don’t see him becoming Ireland manager.”

Agbonlahor spent time with Keane when the 52-year-old worked as the Villans’ assistant manager at the start of the 2014/15 season.

And he was certain that Keane’s methods of coaching were not the right fit for the Republic of Ireland.

He remarked: “When I was with him at Aston Villa, his style of management now, it wouldn’t work with the players of this day and age.

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Agbonlahor warned against Keane’s ‘aggressive’ coaching styleCredit: Getty

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Ireland are on the lookout for a new boss following Kenny’s exitCredit: Getty

“They wouldn’t be able to handle it. He’s too harsh on players so I don’t think that would happen.”

Agbonlahor added: “Players are different now to 15 or 20 years ago when they could handle the aggressive approach from a coach and a manager.

“Roy Keane would be that manager.”

After retiring as a player in 2006, Keane took on management roles at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

He also held the post of assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland previously, as well as serving short spells at Villa and Nottingham Forest in the same role.

Keane experienced particular success with Sunderland, taking them from 23rd in the Championship all the way to Premier League promotion in 2007.

But Keane’s management style was not always appreciated and the Daily Telegraph reported that after he resigned from his post at Sunderland in 2008, the players had celebrated his exit – and Agbonlahor’s warning echoes such reports.

The Republic of Ireland are next in action in March where they will compete in friendly matches, but it remains to be seen when Kenny’s replacement will be announced.