Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has named former Celtic midfielder Roy Keane in a special world XI.
The Ibrox gaffer is more famous for turning out in Liverpool colours as a player, whilst Keane is much more fondly remembered as a former Manchester United captain.
Irishman Keane would eventually spend half a season at Celtic Park, where he ended his career in 2006.
But it was Keane’s success during his 12-year Old Trafford career that has had the now Ibrox gaffer fawning over the former midfield hardman.
Gerrard was a direct opponent of Keane’s in numerous Manchester United Liverpool clashes and it’s in his playing style which has left the biggest impact on Gerrard.
“He was a cert to go in there,” said Gerrard [Sky Sports Football Show].
“He was someone I was a big fan of as I was growing up and I really studied his game.
“Then I had a lot of battles against him and he was a top player. I don’t think you appreciated how good you were until you were up against him.
“He was fit and strong, a box-to-box midfielder and he had to go in.”
Gerrard established a pretty fine career as a midfield general himself and it will surprise many that the 39-year-old has included an ex-pro most associated with the two clubs which are rivals of his own in the XI.
Keane won 17 trophies during his time at Old Trafford and on his retirement, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed “over the years when they start picking the best teams of all time, he will be in there.”
Steven Gerrard’s World XI
Jan Oblak
Cafu
Vincent Kompany
Kalidou Koulibaly
Andy Robertson
Toni Kroos
Roy Keane
Lionel Messi
Alessandro Del Piero
Kylian Mbappe
Didier Drogba
