Keano: Players will unite with pride for Liam

Legend on emotional match tribute to tragic star

ROY Keane said pride will kick in as an Ireland and Man United selection pay tribute to their tragic pal.

The Republic of Ireland assistant manager was speaking at a press conference yesterday to announce the Liam Miller Benefit match.

Keane revealed some of football’s greatest players will take to Cork GAA’S Pairc Ui Chaoimh next month.

The Corkman added: “When the players turn up, pride kicks in and I’m sure they would want to do well and put in a decent performance.

“I am not sure what shape a lot of them are in. I think one or two might struggle – probably myself. Denis Irwin is pushing on a bit.

“Maybe myself and Denis might just have 45 minutes, but I think the rest of the lads will be OK for the full 90. But we will obviously rotate.”

The former Ireland captain and Manchester United legend joked that given the size of the pitch and players’ advanced years they may have to put out 15-a-side rather than 11.

He will be managing and playing for the Man United Legends but said he can’t guarantee the team wouldn’t drink the night before. However, he is hoping for a win on the day.

MANAGING

Keane said Ryan Giggs, Louis Saha, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt will put in a valiant effort when they take on Celtic/ireland who are being managed by his foe for the day Martin O’neill.

The Celtic/ireland Legends line-up includes Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Neil Lennon, Kevin Kilbane and Richard Dunne.

It was revealed Sir Alex Ferguson, Man United chief executive Ed Woodward, Cork City FC manager John Caulfield were all involved in organising the September 25 event along with committee chairman Michael O’flynn.

Keane added: “Liam sadly passed away in February, but he remains a team-mate of ours and this tribute is an opportunity to celebrate his career on the pitch but also to remember the man he was away from football.

“It is fitting in will be staged in Liam’s home town of Cork.”

Father-of-three Liam, 36, died from cancer on February 9.

I’m not sure what shape a lot of them are in – one or two of them might struggle ROY KEANE YESTERDAY IN CORK ON SOME OF THE AGEING LEGENDS PLAYERS

TEAM-MATE Liam Miller CAPTAIN Roy Keane will lead Man U Legends

DENIS IRWIN NICKY BUTT GARY NEVILLE RIO FERDINAND RYAN GIGGS LOUIS SAHA

ORGANISERS Roy with fellow Corkman Michael O’flynn