Roy Keane backs Didier Deschamps' 'unorthodox' treatment of William Saliba... as the Arsenal man gets the nod to start France's opener against Austria at Euro 2024

Roy Keane has revealed that he supports France boss Didier Deschamps' treatment of William Saliba.

Despite being a consistent performer for Arsenal over the past couple of seasons, Saliba has had to be patient to establish himself as a regular in the France team.

Deschamps named Saliba in the starting lineup for France's Euro 2024 opener against Austria. 

Speaking on ITV, Keane said: 'I like it. I think it's right, challenge your players. I like it a lot. The quality in that squad is fantastic.' 

Gary Neville, however, disagreed with Deschamps' approach with Saliba, describing it is as 'unorthodox'. 

Neville said: 'You need some confidence in yourself to come through that. Deschamps must be saying it for a reason. It's unorthodox to say that about a player who has been so good.'

In March, Deschamps criticised Saliba, saying: 'He is having a good season, but he also does things that I don't like so much.

'For France, he has limited game time, but when he plays, that hasn't necessarily gone well.

'The hierarchy doesn't favour him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has had game time and perhaps William has had less.

'With certain players, I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or little blockages that can shift.

'Some don't have any concerns, some need game time. William has had less game time, so that doesn't allow him to be very calm.'

Saliba, who made his international debut in March 2022, was making his 16th appearance for France.