Roy Keane airs his innermost thoughts

ROY Keane has revealed his contempt for complacency in one of his most open and honest interviews about himself.

The Republic of Ireland star and Manchester United captain gives an insight into his inner thoughts in a 30-minute radio interview due to be aired on October 15.

Well known for speaking his mind to referees, opponents and even his own team-mates, Keane spells out his reasoning for always seeking what’s best.

“I’ve got very little time for people taking things for granted and who go through the motions. I’ve seen examples of that. I’ve very little time for people who, maybe, waste the opportunity,” he said.

He also explains the background to his explosive dismissal from the Republic’s training camp in Saipan before the 2002 World Cup, which led to his dismissal by manager Mick McCarthy.

Keane last month denied charges of assault and criminal damage after a 16-year-old boy claimed the footballer assaulted him at a Manchester golf club in early September. He was granted unconditional bail and the case was adjourned for a pre-trial hearing on October 21.

The radio interview is the first in a 20-part series, Ireland’s Soccer Top 20, which begins on RTÉ Radio One on Friday, October 15 at 7.02pm.

Presenter and producer Colm Keane said he had been trying to arrange a meeting with the 33-year-old international for months until one day last spring.

“I was in my office one day, when the mobile rang and Roy was on the other end of the line,” explained Mr Keane, who is not related to the soccer star.

“He apologised for putting me off so long but asked if I could come over to Manchester the next day.”

Their conversation spans most of Keane’s career, from his beginnings with local Cork club Rockmount and Cobh Ramblers, and on through his signing to Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, including his managers Brian Clough and Alex Ferguson.

He also speaks very highly of his wife Theresa and her role in his football career, which he acknowledges he has been very lucky in so far.

A book under the same title as the radio series is also being published later this month, going on sale on the same date as the broadcast of the Roy Keane interview.

Some of the other legends who come under the spotlight include Northern Ireland greats George Best and Pat Jennings, members of Jack’s Army, including Paul McGrath, Packie Bonner, Dave O’Leary and Ronnie Whelan, right through to modern stars such as current Republic of Ireland and Chelsea winger Damien Duff.

The radio series will continue on Friday evenings until next February.

The programme and the book follow on Colm Keane’s successful past series, chronicling Top 20 stars of hurling and gaelic football.