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THE ravages of injury may have made Roy Keane accept a new withdrawn role but the Manchester United skipper does not appear to have any wish to become a full-time defender.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

It would seem even more of a possibility now as the 31-year-old comes to terms with the hip operation which he wouldn’t allow to end his career but has placed restrictions on his approach to the game.

Injuries to Mikael Silvestre and Wes Brown could mean Keane stays in the position for Sunday’s Worthington Cup final clash with Liverpool in Cardiff. However, the Cork-born player is hoping at least one of his team-mates recover from their present problems, allowing him to return to his favoured midfield slot.

“We had one or two injuries last night, so the manager asked me to play central defence,” said Keane.

“It is a team game and if the manager asks you to do something you do it but hopefully we’ll have the injured lads back on Sunday and I won’t be called on to play there.”

Keane has already admitted that he discussed retirement with Ferguson after being made aware of the extent of his hip problems which had required two injections just to get him through matches.

Eventually, he decided against taking such a drastic step but did eventually call time on his international career after originally agreeing to return under new coach Brian Kerr.

Ferguson is confident his captain will now be able to see out the remaining three years of his contract, although the player’s ability to train properly has been severely curtailed, as has the all-action style which made him one of the finest talents of his generation.

“I have to look at a more withdrawn role now. That’s what the future will hold for me,” he said.

“Over the years I’ve had my games where I’ve got box-to-box throughout but now I need to play a different role, especially with the team I’m in now which doesn’t struggle scoring goals.

“Obviously we can’t have everyone getting in the box because it leaves gaps behind you. But hopefully it will take away nothing from what I contribute to the team.”