Keith Andrews lauds fantastic Andy Farrell ahead of World Cup quarter-final clash with New Zealand

Keith Andrews was full of admiration for the Ireland rugby team, and coach Andy Farrell in particular, wishing them well ahead of Saturday's quarter-final clash against New Zealand.

The Ireland assistant manager said that he has been in and around the rugby international set-up and has learned from the experience, while praising Farrell for his character and overall approach to how he leads the national side.

Andrews said that his role within the international set-up allows him to explore the approach that other elite sports take, and he believes that he has learned a lot from such visits, including a two-day stint with the Ireland rugby squad ahead of this year’s Six Nations campaign.

"I don’t think it’s envy, I think it’s just admiration for what they are doing, how they do it, the spirit they have," said Andrews, speaking at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Friday’s game against Greece.

"I have been in with them to spend some time with them behind the scenes and what they do and take little snippets from them. They are very transparent in what they do. Their preparations, they’ve got phenomenal people involved so when it comes to rugby, I’m just a fan.

"I think for international football you are constantly trying to develop in between camps whether that’s club visits, going to study different systems, watching our players is obviously a big part of that. But going to different environments and cherry-picking little nuggets where you think they can transfer into your environment and your dressing room is important."

"I think he (Andy Farrell) is brilliant," added Andrews (below). "He’s outstanding as a man the way he carries himself and the staff he has around him, all the different coaching departments, sports science,