Roy Keane's class highlights vs France and Zidane in final Ireland game

There were doubts that Roy Keane would ever play for Ireland again following his infamous dispute with Mick McCarthy at the 2002 World Cup.

Keane was sent home from Japan after a stormy meeting with McCarthy and other players, having complained about Ireland’s training facilities and preparations for the tournament. 

But two years later, and with McCarthy no longer in charge, Keane returned to the international stage.

Qualifying for the 2006 World Cup was the target and Keane tried his utmost to carry his country to the tournament in Germany. 

It would have been a fitting way for Keane to right the wrongs of the previous World Cup.

With three games to go, Ireland – now managed by Brian Kerr – were in a good position to qualify. If they could avoid defeat against France, a play-off spot would have been the minimum expectation.

Indeed, a 0-0 draw in Paris 11 months earlier would have given Ireland the confidence they needed in the return meeting.

Yet the game on September 7, 2005 didn’t go Ireland’s way, and it would prove to be Keane’s final game for Ireland.

Henry’s goal in the 67th minute sealed a 1-0 win for France, handing a massive blow to Ireland’s World Cup hopes.

While a disappointing evening for the Boys in Green, it’s worth remembering just how impressive Keane was in the defeat.

He gave a lesson in how to play defensive midfield, constantly flinging himself into tackles and being the focal point of everything Ireland did.

Keane managed to stand out despite being in a midfield battle against titans of the game in Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira.

Check out his individual highlights below.

Keane probably doesn’t get as much love as he deserves when we consider the best midfielders of his generation.

His