Ireland boss Stephen Kenny says Roy Keane has a right to express his opinion - even though he strongly disagrees with his description of Keith Andrews.
Speaking to the Sunday Independent recently, ex-Ireland assistant Keane caused a stir when he said: "If I can make one point about the new Irish staff. I've heard a lot of bull****ers over the last 10 years and Keith Andrews us up there with the best of them."
Kenny brushed aside stinging criticism of former Ireland midfielder Andrews, who worked with the ex-Dundalk gaffer in the Under-21 setup before stepping up to the senior team.
"We all live in a society where people are free to express their opinions. I'm fine with that. I found Keith to be very hard-working and diligent. It hasn't come easy to him," Kenny said.
"He's worked with the Under-16s, the Under-17s, Under-18s for 18 months and then did another 18 months with the Under-21s.
"He has got through all his licences, worked with MK Dons in the Championship and League 1 as a coach.
"He is a great analyst and a very, very good coach. He'll have a great future I feel within the Irish set-up."
