Give Keane a chance, says United legend Crerand

PAT CRERAND, the man who began his senior career at Glasgow Celtic before going on to become a legend at Manchester United, believes that people are being hasty in their judgement of Roy Keane's move in the opposite direction.

Keane's debut for Celtic was ruined by the giant-killing exploits of Clyde but, ahead of the player's expected home debut against Kilmarnock tomorrow, Crerand suggests that it might have been too much to expect the Corkman to hit the ground running.

"People are making an even bigger thing of it because it was Roy Keane's first game for Celtic but what a lot of people seem to forget is that it was his first game in four months and it's not easy to come back and be at your best straight away."

Crerand, who will be the guest speaker in Dublin tonight at the eircom/Soccer Writers of Ireland annual awards banquet, admits he was surprised by Keane's departure from Manchester United, but sees his arrival at Celtic Park as a winning move.

"He has left one big club but gone to another. He will win the league with Celtic, that's for sure. But, to be honest, winning the double is equally as important and there will be annoyance that they can't do that now," he said.

"I think United is the bigger club. Most people would agree with that. United are the biggest club worldwide - they are better known than anyone else. When you go to Celtic, it's not that you're taking a step down. It's just that you are playing against only one team in reality."

And Crerand knows better than most that the Old Firm rivalry brings with it a unique set of pressures.

"It will be like living in a goldfish bowl. People in Glasgow are far more confrontational than they would be in Manchester.

"You could be playing for Manchester United and walk around Manchester and you wouldn't be bothered by people. The City fans wouldn't disturb you. But in Glasgow it's far more difficult. You have to expect to get hassle and people are very much on top of you. They would have no qualms about having a go at you in the street.

"I am sure Roy won't live in Glasgow, though. From what I hear he is going to live nearer Edinburgh and that makes sense."