Ireland must be ready to shut down Bale, says Keane

Football Soccer - Austria v Republic of Ireland - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group D - Ernst-Happel Stadium, Vienna, Austria - 12/11/16 Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane before the match Reuters / Leonhard Foeger Livepic

(Reuters) - Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane has urged his side to relish the challenge of facing Wales forward Gareth Bale, while making sure the Real Madrid man has no room in which to operate in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

"Bale is a world class player," Martin O'Neill's assistant told reporters, adding that players of Bale's ability always found a way to make an impact in a game.