Keane won't bank on Haaland in FA trial

Alfie Haaland will not be appearing at the Reebok Stadium tomorrow to speak in defence of Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

It had been suggested that Haaland would be called as one of Keane’s chief witnesses as he attempts to stave off two Football Association disciplinary charges relating to comments made about the Norwegian in his recently-released autobiography.

However, PA Sport understands there was never any intention within the Keane camp to make the most of comments made by Haaland on his website that the Corkman was not to blame for the injury which has prevented him playing a full game since the infamous clash between the pair at Old Trafford in April last year.

Instead, it is thought Keane will attempt to defend himself against the dual charge by claiming he has never deliberately set out to injure any player, despite comments to the contrary in his book.

A three-man panel, likely to be chaired by FA disciplinary committee chief Barry Bright, will hear evidence from both sides before reaching their verdict.

It is believed the case will be concluded tomorrow but with prominent QCs acting for both sides, the possibility exists that it may over-run.

Even then, it might not be the end of the matter, with Keane having the fall-back of an appeal should the verdict go against him.

Keane knows he faces a lengthy ban – up to eight matches – plus a hefty fine, should his defence fail.

He is charged on two accounts of bringing the game into disrepute, first for making an ’improperly motivated’ tackle on Haaland and also cashing in on the tackle through his best-selling life story.