Keane: I face my biggest challenge

ROY KEANE is to adopt a selfish approach to make sure he keeps his place in the Manchester United side next season.

Injuries and suspensions excepted, the 31-year-old Irishman has been a permanent fixture in the Red Devils' lineup for over a decade.

However, the harshly self-critical United skipper believes the performances he turned in during the second half of last season after he returned from hip surgery were well below the standards expected.

And Keane feels Alex Ferguson noticed it too, which is why the Old Trafford boss has already swooped for Eric Djemba Djemba and is expected to confirm the arrival of Brazilian World Cup winner Klebersen before the August 31 Champions League transfer deadline.

"When I came back from the hip operation my performances were nowhere near acceptable," admitted the Cork-born player.

"The manager recognised that as well and has brought in other players for my position.

"I see that as a big challenge, maybe bigger than ever before. And while I will help them to settle in as much as I can, I also have to be selfish about the situation.

"As far as I am concerned, the manager can bring in 50 new players. I feel as though if I am fit I would still be in the starting lineup."

Having shrugged off the minor thigh strain that forced him to miss Sunday's 3-1 win over Club America in Los Angeles, Keane should be fit for tonight's sell-out encounter with Champions League runners-up Juventus at the Giants Stadium.

The arena already holds one fond memory for Keane it was the ground where Ireland famously defeated Italy in the 1994 World Cup thanks to Ray Houghton's winner.

As always, Keane refuses to countenance any sentiment over his return, insisting the game is just one more step on the road to facing Bolton on August 16, when United begin the defence of their Premiership trophy.

And for the first time, he is looking ahead to a new season knowing there is no chance of it being disturbed by the international demands that were placed upon him for over a decade.

Twelve months have gone by since his infamous fall-out with Mick McCarthy, since when Keane toyed with the idea of wearing the distinctive green jersey again under new coach Brian Kerr, only to change his mind on medical advice.

"It was a tough decision but physically I am feeling the benefit of it now," he said.

"The surgeon advised me I needed to get as much rest as I could between games. I felt I owed United because of the way I have been treated by the club since the day I first joined.

"I hope the boys (Ireland) qualify for the European Championships and I wish them all the best for the future. But I have some unfinished business with United to attend to."