Celtic boss in plea to Keano

2006-03-22 15:22

Glasgow - Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has called on Roy Keane to think twice before hanging up his boots, urging the Irish midfielder to carry on for at least another season.

Keane has warned he may cut short his career at Celtic one year early if he continues to be dogged by injuries related to his long-term hip problem.

The former Manchester United captain is facing a four-week lay-off after picking up a hamstring injury in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday.

But Strachan believes the 34-year-old can play on.

"When you are in your mid-30s you have one bad game and start thinking about packing it in," said the ex-Scotland and United midfielder.

"We have all been there. At 16, 17 you were still tired or even worse and you were not thinking about packing it in then.

"The medics have not said anything about his hip problem at all."

Strachan is speaking from experience - he holds the record as the oldest outfield player to play in the Premiership, when as a 40-year-old he turned out for Leeds.

He is likely to lose his record to West Ham's Teddy Sheringham however, who turns 40 next month.

- AFP