Back in the days of Sven Goran-Eriksson’s uninspiring tenure as England boss, where an above average performance was about as rare as an insightful remark from Andy Townsend, there was a general feeling that a home-grown successor would be the only way forward.

This view has it seems, been mirrored within ranks of the Irish FA, who handed their vacant national job to football’s newest odd-couple last week, appointing Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane to spearhead the country’s campaign for a place in Euro 2016.

It’s a fusion that few would have seen coming following the departure of Giovanni Trapattoni, with the apparently mild-mannered O’Neill almost the polar opposite of his new number two, in a duo that has already been labeled as ‘fire and ice’ among some areas of the press.

The pair took up preparations yesterday for their debut match in charge, and supporters will undoubtedly be keen to see the footballing ethos their side will adopt under their new management team.

What is for sure is that there will be no shortage of worthy influences on their respective styles. While O’Neill has carved out a very successful managerial career in his own right, Keane spent over a decade working with Sir Alex Ferguson, while both were playing members of Nottingham Forest sides managed by the late, great Brian Clough.

Fondly remembered for his biting wit and tactical genius, the legendary Clough won league titles and european cups, but was passed over for international management, an oversight that today sees his name often garnished by the phrase ‘the greatest manager England never had’.

It seems, though, that his style may yet find its place on the international stage through his former players. And, considering the good-but-not-great squad they will have at their disposal, the ability to induce world-class performances from lesser players, an attribute for which Clough was notorious, could be a key ingredient in any recipe for success.

And it will be this kind of quality that Keane and O’Neill, who do bear distinct attitudinal resemblances to Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor respectively, will be looking to emulate.

There is still, though, an element of a gamble for both the FAI and their new employees in this arrangement. Though not exactly make or break for O’Neill, his assistant Keane, renowned for his outspoken views, may find himself in something of a last-chance saloon in football management.

Failed stints in charge of Sunderland and Ipswich have left the stock of Ireland’s former captain at something of a low, and to flop at international level would make his odds of managing again very long indeed, confining him to the realm of great players who didn’t make great managers.

The Irish FA meanwhile, though gutsy in their appointments which will go some way to reaffirming the national identity, will have to acknowledge the strong possibility of a ‘what were you thinking?’ reaction, should the upcoming EURO campaign sink rather than swim.

But it will be wistful thoughts of Clough that will be in the forefront of their minds as their chosen two embark upon a new era for the national side, with the aim, no doubt, of emulating the success and status of their former boss.

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