Disillusionment: Roy Keane

JACK Charlton's 'boys in green' were heavy drinkers who on one occasion went on a four-day bender, according to a new TV3 documentary.

The shocking new insights into the lax regime of the Irish squad under Charlton reveal exactly the kind of conditions that led to Roy Keane's early disillusionment with the camp.

Former striker John Aldridge revealed the extent of indiscipline, saying: "We thought we were untouchable, [that] we could probably drink as much as we wanted and we'd still win games."

Part two of Roy Keane – A Life of Controversy, which airs at 9pm tomorrow night, also gives fresh insight into the infamous Saipan affair when Keane walked out on the Irish team, with former taoiseach Bertie Ahern revealing he was asked to mediate between Keane and manager Mick McCarthy at the height of the scandal.