Keane aggression makes him a great player, says McClaren

ROY KEANE would only be half the player he is if the passion and aggression was taken out of his game. That is the view of Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren, who worked closely with the 31-year-old Manchester United skipper during his days as Ferguson’s right-hand man at Old Trafford.

McClaren is an unashamed admirer of the Corkman, and while not condoning his excesses, he insists Keane’s psychological make-up is an integral part of the way he plays his football and one of the reasons for his success over the years.

‘‘It’s a will to win,’’ McClaren said. “If you take that away from anybody, you’re taking away 50%. He can’t lose that. Why change that? He’s been like that all his career, that’s why Manchester United have been so successful.