Nottingham Forest boss Martin O’Neill has wished former assistant Roy Keane all the best as the ex- Manchester United star plans to pursue a career in club management.
O’Neill stated that he has no issue with Keane opting to leave the City Ground before the club returned to pre-season training.
The pair enjoyed a great working relationship despite Forest missing out on a Championship play-off spot this past season.
Keane previously worked under his compatriot for the Republic of Ireland, and with many years of experience coaching together, the 47-year-old was considering his future before the end of last season.
“I think with all the experiences he has behind him now, he will be a big success again,” O’Neill told the Derry Journal.
“He came and he said he would think about it (leaving) when the season was ending - this is what he wants to do and good luck to him.
“I have absolutely no problem with it, I've loved working with him, it was great.”
Their six-year partnership brought major success for the national team, with the duo guiding Republic of Ireland to Euro 2016 qualification.
O’Neill, though, hinted Keane has wanted to journey back into full-time management himself for a long time and ‘be his own man’.
"But I think Roy always wanted to go back into management himself and I think he wanted to be his own man which I think he has been for a long time. We've had a really great time," O'Neill added.
Keane has managerial experience from his stints at Ipswich Town and Sunderland, with the Irishman leading the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League in 2007.
The United hero has been linked with the vacant Cork City and Doncaster Rovers posts.
