Stephen Kenny has paid tribute to Alan McLoughlin and Alan Keely following their tragic deaths.
McLoughlin, who was the hero of Windsor Park in 1993 as his equaliser booked the Republic of Ireland's place at the 1994 World Cup, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 54.
Keely played in the League of Ireland for almost 10 years and began his senior career with Shelbourne in 2001. He enjoyed two spells at Tolka Park while also playing for other clubs including Kildare County, Finn Harps, Dublin City and Waterford United. He died on Monday aged 38.
Republic of Ireland boss Kenny said: "I'd like to pay tribute to Alan McLoughlin. He was a terrific player for Ireland and I remember when he burst onto the scene at Swindon and he went on to have a really good career at Southampton and Portsmouth, and to get 42 caps for Ireland.
"A complete all-round midfield player, terrific energy and capable of scoring goals from midfield. Of course, he will be remembered for the goal which helped us qualify for the World Cup but apart from the goal, he had a significant career for Ireland, being involved in Italia 1990 and USA 1994.
"He went on to be an accomplished coach at Portsmouth and Head of Academy at Swindon in recent seasons. He will be fondly remembered by all of the Irish supporters. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
Kenny added: "In these toughest of times, we learn to appreciate life and for a young man, Alan Keely, a big tough central-defender, to lose his life at 38 reminds us of this.
"Alan is from a famous football family, his Dad Dermot was a hugely successful player and manager. Alan forged a really good career in the league with Shelbourne, Finn Harps, Waterford, Kildare County and Dublin City.
"Alan relocated to Dundalk and I got to know him because he worked as a postman, and I'd meet him near Oriel Park. He was a passionate football man and a keen supporter after being a player, and he just seems incredibly young to pass away, and, of course, my thoughts are with his young family."
