Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney has slammed Roy Keane following his outspoken blast against his fellow countrymen this past week, branding the Ipswich Town boss 'sad'.

Former Republic of Ireland international Keane made the headlines this week with an astonishing rant claiming he had no sympathy for Giovanni Trapattoni's men following heartbreaking World Cup play-off defeat to France.

Thierry Henry's controversial and blatant handball helped Les Bleus overcome Ireland 2-1 on aggregate and extinguish their hopes of reaching the finals in South Africa next summer.

The incident led to widespread calls for the play-off contest at the Stade de France in Paris to be replayed, although FIFA have since ruled out that course of action, and 'Keano' admits they only have themselves to blame.

Delaney has now hit back, claiming that Keane still holds a grudge dating back to when he was sent home from the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea for speaking out against the coaching staff and training facilities.

"It's just a side show for me," he told Sky Sports News. "We have all moved on from Saipan - Niall Quinn, Mick McCarthy, the FAI and all the players - but it seems to me that he hasn't.

"It's time for him now, in my opinion, to learn from the past, not live in it.

"I thought the images, which were shown around the world, of the press conference that he did, they were sad. It was sad to see a great former player reflected in the manner of what he did.

"I think he needs to forget about Saipan and move on, because everyone else has."

Check out Keane's astonishing blast, which includes criticism of Shay Given as well as John Delaney, and keep an eye out for his sheer disgust as a journalist's phone starts to ring at 3:15 - priceless stuff!