Keith Andrews made a big mistake with claims of inside information – Greece boss Gus Poyet

Greece boss Gus Poyet has accused Republic of Ireland assistant manager Keith Andrews of "making a big mistake" amid a row ahead of Friday night's Euro 2024 qualifier.

Andrews, a member of Stephen Kenny’s coaching staff, this week suggested that the Uruguayan had been given inside information ahead of his side’s 2-1 Group B victory over Ireland in Athens in June with Irishman Gary Dicker, who played for him during his time as Brighton boss, among the crowd at the OPAP Arena.

However, Poyet issued a stout defence on the eve of the return in Dublin, dismissing Andrews’ comments as "a mistake".

Asked if he had heard what the former Republic midfielder had said, he replied: "They sent it to me two days ago. It was sad. I was very disappointed.

"I don’t know Keith. From outside, I’ve seen him talking on television and the way he played football, I felt he was an intelligent man, and he made a mistake, a big mistake.

"First, I don’t invite people to watch my training. I don’t. Secondly, nobody told me how the Republic of Ireland plays.

"Third, if you look how your country played before they played us: France at home, 5-4-1. Three days before that, they play Latvia, 5-3-2. How did they play against us? 5-3-2 in the first half, 5-4-1 in the second.

"Do you really think I need information? Let’s say he is young, made a mistake, made excuses. But I was disappointed, very disappointed."

Asked about former Seagulls midfielder Dicker’s presence in Athens, where he attended one of the Greeks’ training sessions, Poyet added: "Gary is one of the most intelligent players I had in my time at Brighton. He is proper Irish. Proper.

"And I promise you – this is one thing that is important – we talked more about how good Brighton play than the Republic