Seamus Coleman: 'It is like Ireland of old under Martin O'Neill, Roy Keane'

Republic of Ireland's manager Martin O'Neill looks on with assistant manager Roy Keane before the start of the international friendly football match between the Republic of Ireland and Latvia at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on November 15, 2013
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Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman praises Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane for 'getting the old Ireland back'.

Defender Seamus Coleman has praised manager Martin O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane after transforming the fortunes of the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland qualified from a tough group for next summer's European Championships after a playoff win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"It is like getting the old Ireland back," Coleman told the Daily Star. "The manager has had a big affect on that. He's a great motivator and obviously there's Roy Keane as well who has been there and done it all and gives us great advice.

"That's rubbed off on all of us and we're like a club team. We all stick together and we're all in it together.

"I think you see a different side to Roy than we do. I think when he first came in everyone was a little bit on edge as you would be with Roy Keane.

"But as time has gone on he's fine to talk to. He's there for advice and he's a good coach. I think he's really enjoying it as well which is important."

The draw for Euro 2016 takes place in Paris next Saturday.

Roy Keane, Aston Villa assistant manager looks on before the Barclays Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester City at Villa Park on October 4, 2014
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