Defensive role for Keane an option for future

THE ravages of injury may have made Roy Keane accept a new withdrawn role but the Manchester United skipper does not appear to have any wish to become a full-time defender.

Pressed into emergency service at the heart of the Red Devils’ rearguard against Juventus on Tuesday night, Keane emerged with his reputation enhanced after a composed performance which provided the bedrock for United’s stunning 3-0 win in the Stadio delle Alpi.

After the match, manager Alex Ferguson confirmed the use of Keane in defence was ‘an option’ for the future, confirming previous speculation that the Irishman’s career may benefit from a less physically challenging task.