Keane won’t be only victim of drink, says PFA

PROFESSIONAL Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has admitted it would be naive to think today’s top stars won’t succumb to the stresses of their high-profile life.

Roy Keane is the latest big name to reveal the extent of his alcohol problems down the years, although happily they now appear to be under control.

Keane has not been forced to enter rehabilitation clinics as Paul Merson and Tony Adams have in the past but said: "It's a big problem. I don't think I had a choice but to stop drinking if I wanted to carry on playing."

Keane has worked closely with sports psychologist Bill Beswick, who has now left United to assist Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough, but he could also have taken advantage of the consultation service created by the PFA which offers specialist advice to players suffering the perils of drink and drug problems.

"It would be naive to think there is no-one out there who has problems coping with the stress and pressure modern-day football brings," said Taylor. "We have had various well-publicised problems in the past but there are quite a number of other players we have worked with."

The PFA have linked up Tony Adams' Sporting Chance foundation, to host a series of seminars to educate youngsters coming into the game.

Taylor highlights Adams as an ideal role model, but insists there is no major problem, with only five positive drugs tests out of the last 1500.

In 'Keane: The Autobiography', serialised in the News of the World, 31-year-old Keane revealed he nearly quit the game last year after losing his cool in the 4-3 defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park.

Keane became embroiled in an argument with Alan Shearer which ended with the United skipper taking a swing at the former England centre-forward and then receiving the red card.

"Usually I can excuse myself when I'm wrong take me or leave me. Self indulgent crap. But not this time," he said. "I feel I have let down the people who have defended me. My wife Theresa, my family, the gaffer, the lads, the club. No excuses."

Keane informed manager Alex Ferguson of his decision, only to be talked out of it two days later by his wife and the Scot on the eve of a Champions League encounter with Lille.

Controversy followed him to the World Cup this summer, when Keane famously walked out on the Republic of Ireland squad, aiming a vicious verbal volley at manager Mick McCarthy.

And the revelations in his book are sure to stir more emotions, particularly among his United team-mates, who Keane has accused of resting on their wealth last term, which they finished empty-handed, and hiding behind the troubles of Juan Sebastian Veron.

"I felt sorry for Seba," said Keane. "He had cost £28million and become the scapegoat for our season. Blame Seba it's too easy. It took the heat off certain players. They were aware of it and maybe even happy for it."