Manchester United legend Roy Keane has revealed the five “world-class” players he played alongside in his illustrious career.
Roy Keane is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders and captains of all time after a prolific playing career at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 52-year-old lifted seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a Champions League with United, as well as captaining his side to a famous treble win in 1999.
Keane was revered for his no-nonsense approach on the pitch and his commanding presence in midfield, with the Irish hardman excelling as a box-to-box midfielder.
The Sky Sports pundit was hailed for his leadership skills and was an influential figure for Ferguson in the United dressing room at Old Trafford.
However, Keane’s run at Old Trafford came to an end in 2005 after his relationship with Ferguson fractured, with the ex-United boss ruthlessly axing him from the club.
READ MORE: Roy Keane named his most ‘overrated’ teammate of all time and stunned Man Utd legend with his pick
Keane names his five world-class players
Following his departure from Old Trafford in 2005, Roy Keane saw out the brief remainder of his career at Celtic before calling it time on his career in 2006.
The Manchester United legend later entered into coaching and managed the likes of Sunderland and Ipswich Town, with his spell at the latter ending in his sacking.
Keane, who has since become a key figure in punditry, also served as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Speaking on Sky Sports in 2019, former United midfielder and captain Keane told Jamie Carragher the five world-class players he played alongside.
The former Republic of Ireland international’s picks included fellow United legends Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin.
“We never gave ourselves an opportunity to talk about players being world class,” Keane said.
“But if I look back now, you’d have to class Giggsy [Ryan Giggs].
“I always class the world-class players as lads who were doing it for nine, 10, 11 years – obviously Giggsy’s done it for a lot longer, but to me, that’s the key to being a really good player – you’ve got to be consistent.
“We see players now: they have a good month and [they’re] patting themselves on the back.
“You have to be good for years and years, and Giggsy would have been a prime example.”
Keane’s special praise for Irwin
Keane has been a big admirer of fellow United legend Irwin and praised the Irishman’s impact at Old Trafford, with the Sky Sports pundit even naming his best teammate ever.
Sir Alex Ferguson even famously said that Irwin would be the only certainty in his all-time United XI, with the former United full-back since reacting to his praise.
Keane insisted that Irwin is world class to him and praised his fellow Corkman for his attributes both on and off the pitch.
“My God, imagine if Denis Irwin was playing now,” he added.
“He could play left-back, right-back, get you a goal, knew how to defend, never injured, a brilliant guy in the dressing room.
“Denis would be world class to me – and he’s a Corkman!”