Furious, but proud, Irishman Robbie Keane launched into an expletive-laden rant about his country chasing the likes of Patrick Bamford for international duty this week.
The former Leeds United striker was confirmed as assistant head coach to former Whites team-mate Jonathan Woodgate at Middlesbrough this week.
However, the 38-year-old will continue in his role as Republic of Ireland assistant to Mick McCarthy, who has been vocal in his attempts to pin down Bamford for internationals.
The former Ipswich Town boss admitted, most recently, it was now time for Bamford to chase him and show some intent after months of invitations from McCarthy.
Back in March, McCarthy said Bamford had told him he did want to feature for the country on the international stage.
Now, in a new interview, an angry Keane has piled in on players like Bamford, not just the United striker, for not being half-hearted in their intentions.
"You're representing your country and if you want to play for Ireland, you come play for us. We're not going to go and chase you,” he said.
"I'll tell you with Patrick Bamford, he should be chasing us. He should want to come here. If he doesn't want to, no problem.
"We shouldn't be chasing people, by the way. That's what f***ing winds me up. We shouldn't be chasing people.
"They should want to play for us. If they don't, then no problem. Why should we go and chase people? We are f***ing Ireland.
"We have qualified in the last few years for two Euros, World Cup 2002. If you want to come, come. Represent your country and be proud to play for your country.
"If you don't, don't waste anybody's time. Don't waste the manager's time. And I am not speaking specifically about Bamford. I am talking about everybody. Anybody.
"Don't just use us as a tool, if you like, for maybe other countries to come in for you. Be proud of your country.
“Be proud to play for Ireland.”
Bamford is currently on holiday in New York.
