Power that set Keane apart was no longer there: Platt

Media pundit and fomer player David Platt claims an inability constantly to match his previous high standards may be behind Roy Keane’s decision to retire.

Media pundit and former player David Platt claims an inability constantly to match his previous high standards may be behind Roy Keane’s decision to retire.

The 34-year-old announced his decision to retire on medical advice following a career spanning 17 years starting at Cobh Ramblers before taking in Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Celtic.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder, however, suffered a number of injuries and his latest hip problem heralded his departure from the game.

Platt told Sky Sports News: “Only time will tell. When I was at Arsenal I realised in my last year I couldn’t reach the standards I wanted to meet – not just at the weekend but also in training and I think that may be a part of it.

“To maintain those standards it becomes very difficult. Somebody like Roy would look at that and think it’s time to move on.

“Yes there are regrets but you have to be bold enough to make that decision. It’s not a case of not giving 100% – it‘s what that 100% is. That dynamism, energy and real power that set you apart …it wasn’t there.

“As a consequence your own performance wasn’t used to what you were setting. He could probably have picked the money up at Celtic … I’m sure morally Roy would say ‘I go into football to earn the money and if I can’t I’ll just walk away.‘”

The former England midfielder admitted he was not surprised by Keane’s announcement, saying: “I feel like everybody else – to me it’s not a surprise, it’s been brewing for a long time, but there is a regret because you want to see Roy going on forever and a day.

“Hopefully he will be back in management even though it is a different career.”

Although Platt believed Keane could make a success of management, he believes the Corkman’s profile could initially count against him.

“One of the problems is someone like himself, with the career profile and name he has had, the first job he takes the media will be demanding he will be a success.

“He’ll come in for a bit of criticism but I’m sure he will be a success at the end.”