Keane faces trial over assault claim

ROY KEANE is to stand trial next year accused of assaulting a 16-year-old boy while walking his dog near his British home.

The Irish soccer squad star and Manchester United captain has already denied the offence, in Hale last month.

Following a pre-trial review yesterday, he was been ordered to appear at a court in Manchester at the end of February, 2005.

Mr Keane did not attend yesterday’s hearing at which he had his bail extended to the February hearing.

Late last month the Corkman denied assaulting a 16-year-old boy, causing criminal damage and threatening and abusive behaviour when he appeared before magistrates in Trafford.

Mr Keane was reportedly walking his Labrador dog close to Hale Golf Course when he got into a row with the teenager from Baguley, Manchester.

The criminal damage allegation against Mr Keane related to the boy’s neck chain being broken during the incident.