The Highs and Lows of Roy Keane

Last updated : 16 October 2005 By Gerry Ormonde
HIGHS

1990 - Snapped up by Clough: Gets his big break in professional football when Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough signs him from Cobh Ramblers for £10,000.

1991 - International debut: Impresses Jack Charlton enough to hand him his international bow for the Republic of Ireland in 1-1 draw with Chile in Dublin.

1993 - The big-money move: Competition from a host of clubs, but joins Manchester United for a British record fee of £3.75m.

1994 - Instant success: Marks first season with United by helping club complete their first League and FA Cup double.

1994 - American adventure: Helps Ireland reach the second round of the World Cup in the USA, figuring in all four matches.

1996 - Double double: An inspirational presence as United clinch second double 1999 - The matchwinner: Scores the goal which earns United a 1-0 Toyota Cup victory over Palmeiras of Brazil. United are the first British club to lift the Inter-Continental Cup.

2000 - Talents recognised: Named PFA and Football Writers' Association player of the year before lifting Premiership title for the sixth time in eight years.

2003 - Premiership champions: Lifts the Premiership trophy at Goodison Park as United hold off Arsenal for the title.

2004 - Return to the fold: Makes first appearance for Ireland since Mick McCarthy bust-up in friendly with Romania.

LOWS
1991 - Run-in with Big Jack: Following a friendly against the United States, the Republic of Ireland team were allowed a night out. The next morning, with departure set for 7.30am, the team were kept waiting until 8am by Keane invoking the wrath of manager Jack Charlton.

2000 - Fury with letter to fans: Keane calls United's decision to blame his £52,000-a-week wages for the hike in season ticket prices as "a stupid mistake."

2000 - The prawn sandwich affair: Keane hits out at sections of Manchester United's support following what he felt was a poor atmosphere in the club's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

2002 - Thrown out of World Cup: Keane says he will quit international football after the World Cup having expressed his dissatisfaction with the preparations. When clear-the-air talks with McCarthy descend into a "slanging match", the Republic boss promptly sends his best player home.

2002 - Alf-Inge Haaland: Having suffered a serious knee injury in a clash with Haaland earlier in his career, Keane got his revenge in a Manchester derby. A crude stamp on the Norwegian's knee earned a red card and left Haaland badly injured.

2003 - International retirement: Despite the efforts of new Ireland manager Brian Kerr to tempt him back into the Republic's set-up, Keane announces his intention to retire from international football.

2005 - Denied record-making opportunity: A United victory in the FA Cup final would have granted Keane a record-equalling fifth winner's medal. As it is, Arsenal emerge triumphant on penalties.

2005 - Announces exit plans: Keane reveals he expects to leave United in summer 2006, ending a 13-year Old Trafford career.

2005 - International exit, again: Two days after Ireland fail to qualify for World Cup 2006 Keane announces he is quitting international football for a second time.