Martin O'Neill refused to be drawn on whether or not he will remain in the role as Ireland manager for the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign, and expects Roy Keane to get back into management soon.

Since taking over in 2013 the duo have led Ireland to Euro 2016 as well as a climb up the world rankings after the squad’s confidence had taken a major hit at a disastrous Euro 2012 before being compounded by a failed qualification bid for the 2014 World Cup.

O’Neill came into the role after 26 years in club management but as for how long his international managerial career will continue in Ireland, he is keeping his cards close to his chest. Recent reports suggested that the FAI were ready to strike a deal for a contract extension but nothing concrete has been revealed. It does seem that O’Neill would expect Keane to move back towards management himself, however.

“There seems to be a feeling that our employers would like us to stay on, so we’ll sit down with them in the new year to discuss things. At the moment, I have a very open mind on it all.”

The former Aston Villa manager believes that building back up that confidence was the hardest, and the crucial, task when he took over.

Speaking to Fifa.com O’Neill said: “There was clearly a general disappointment with how the previous World Cup campaign (under Giovanni Trapattoni) had gone, and the players’ confidence had undoubtedly taken a knock. When I came in, I felt that restoring that confidence was the main challenge and we looked to reinvigorate the players as best we could. Now, nothing builds confidence and spirit like winning matches. But even when things weren’t looking so wonderful, I sensed the togetherness was holding pretty firm. There was certainly a clear determination there to fight this campaign until the death.”

And fight they did – those traits shown no more so than in the two games against Germany where goals from John O'Shea and Shane Long saw O'Neill's side take four points from the world champions.

“I think belief is always key against teams of that calibre,” he says.

“When we beat Germany in Dublin, the truth is that they were on top in the first half and we struggled to get a foothold. But what we tried to get across to the players at half-time was to have a bit more belief about themselves because the Germans, wonderful players though they are, can give you a bit of time on the ball. Composure was vital. I just felt if we passed it a bit better, confidence would follow, and that’s exactly what happened. It was great to see the players go out with the determination to settle into the game and express themselves. And then, of course, Shane Long’s goal was just wonderful.”

O’Neill and Keane will now lead the team to France next summer full in the knowledge that they will be favourites to finish bottom of Group E. For Keane it’s a first return to a major tournament since the scandal of Saipan in 2002.

And it’s incidents such as that, not to mention Keane’s general volatile nature on the pitch during his playing career, that led to much bemusement when O’Neill selected the Corkman to be his assistant.

“Roy has been just excellent. In every aspect I can think of, I’ve been delighted with his contribution and how the relationship has worked. Clearly there’s an age difference between us and, while he’s been a manager before and will go back to that again soon I’m sure, I think he’s enjoyed this role. Those extra years I have on him don’t guarantee respect, of course – you have to earn respect from Roy Keane as we all know. But we get on very, very well together. He’s excellent for the players too because he’s a lot closer to their generation and they all remember and admire him for what a wonderful, iconic player he was,” O’Neill says before joking that it may all change in a few months when they “have the biggest bust-up of all time.”

After his 26-year club management career the transition into the international dugout was always going to present its challenges for O’Neill and he does see some negatives to it.

“What I would say is that after losses, like the one against Scotland, the months between that defeat and your next match are not pleasant at all. Unlike club football, there’s this age before you can set about rectifying things, and that’s tough to get used to. It’s torture really. Then we beat Germany and couldn’t really celebrate or bask in it at all because we had another massive game in Poland to prepare for a couple of days later. So I was beginning to think that international management just gives you loads of time to mull over the defeats and no time at all to enjoy the victories. But the Bosnia game in Dublin, and the celebrations afterwards, have definitely shown a more positive side.”