Bye Keano: on-form Roy to exit stage in 18 months

MANCHESTER United skipper Roy Keane will hang up his boots in 18 months’ time - despite his recent impressive form.

The 33-year-old is ready to disregard the evidence of the past four weeks and wreck the hopes of his manager by ending his phenomenal career at the end of next season.

It is expected that Keane will take up a job in management after he retires. He is currently studying for his UEFA coaching badge.

Seven days after Alex Ferguson claimed Keane’s immense contribution to the Old Trafford cause would still be being talked about in 500 years’ time, his captain restated his intention to call time on his playing days when his contract expires in 2006.

Over the past month alone, Keane has rampaged over heir apparent Steven Gerrard at Anfield, and squared up to Patrick Vieira in the Highbury tunnel in a show of aggressive force that set the tone for Man United’s 4-2 win.

He then capped an exceptional display against Birmingham last week by netting his 50th goal for the Red Devils.

His form has been so good there were suggestions that Keane would be offered a new contract.

Keane said: “When I signed this contract, I believed it would be my last and I still believe that will be the case.”

The stage may be set for the Corkman to end his playing career at the World Cup in Germany in 2006.