Desmond: Everyone was Keane on Roy

Celtic majority shareholder Dermot Desmond insists manager Gordon Strachan was as eager to sign Roy Keane as everyone else at the club.

The Hoops boss was angered by suggestions the 18-month deal for the ex-Manchester United midfielder had been done ‘over his head’.

And Desmond maintains the club was united in the decision to bring the 34-year-old to Celtic Park.

Desmond told The Herald: “From the word go it was the manager’s decision and the board’s decision to go after Roy Keane.

“In fairness to Roy Keane he left a lot of money on lots of tables because of his love for Celtic.

“What swung it for Roy was his love of Celtic and I would hope that he respects Gordon Strachan, respects the team.”

Strachan angrily snapped at suggestions he had played no part in Keane’s move when the player was unveiled.

He said: “Roy and I met for two hours in London two weeks ago and he is a clever man.

“I had to find out if Roy was interested in playing for Celtic. That’s why we met. I told him where I was going and he said he was up for it.”

Keane has signed until the summer of 2007 but Desmond revealed there will be room for an extension if both parties are willing.

He said: “That will be a decision for Roy and the club. If Roy can maintain that standard then hopefully he can be playing at 36 or 37.”

Desmond added: “I am very comfortable with Roy, as are other members of the board, so we have no fears that he will be an unsettling influence.

“On the contrary, I think he will harness all the good things that are in Celtic Football Club.”