Cool, calm, connected

THROUGHOT a glorious career, Ronnie Whelan earned a reputation as one of the most cultured footballers in Europe.

RONNIE WHELAN remembers Roy Keane’s debut for Forest well, he just didn’t know him as Roy Keane, that’s all, only that “there was a young lad playing in midfield” for them.

It was 21 years ago last month, when Keane went down to Anfield and began helping the kitman lay out the gear only to be told by Brian Clough to put on the number seven jersey himself. Keane would acquit himself quite well, though it was something of an education for him.