Keane testimonial - The epitome of a true sportsman

IN a club that produced some of the best players in the world, Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson paid a handsome tribute to Roy Keane when he described the Corkman as his “best ever player”.

Lavish though that praise was, it may not be adequate to describe the consummate Keano, who has accomplished the right, and the respect, to be spoken among the greats of world soccer.

His testimonial last night bore witness to his standing among players and public alike, as a sell-out 73,000 attendance at Old Trafford watched Roy Keane don the No 16 jersey for his last, and nostalgic, appearance there.

From the more humble Rockmount to the glitter of United, and latterly with Celtic, Roy Keane’s career has been remarkable, not merely for his incredible football skills, but also for the exceptional qualities for which he was admired.

Acclaimed with the captaincy of his club and honoured by being capped and having led the national side, the audacious Keane did not brook what he considered any lapse in standards.

He did not allow controversy dilute that personal criteria, a trait that was evidenced during his 12 years with United, and with the national team.

Apart from football, his strength in leadership and his innate facility to lead by example were attributes on which he refused to compromise.

If his fame and qualities as a footballer won him accolades on the field, as they did, his personal attributes were also recognised as the example they were to young people and acknowledged by the civic honours conferred on him.

It is a measure of his character, that in his success he did not forget those less fortunate than he by quietly and unobtrusively supporting various charities and individuals, many of which will benefit from last night’s game.

Roy Keane represents the very epitome of what a sportsman should be, accepting the laurels that befitted him and the inevitable disappointments with grace.