Former Arsenal midfielder David Hillier has claimed Roy Keane was a dream to play against.
The Englishman faced Keane in a cup game when the Irishman played for Nottingham Forest. Keane spent three years at Forest before moving to Manchester United in 1993, where he went on to win seven Premier League titles.
Keane is regarded as a United legend as well as one of the best midfielders in world football. He was an authoritative figure on the pitch and was viewed as a leader by his teammates and the epitome of what a club captain should look like.
Hillier may not agree though, as he believes he handled Keane comfortably. He reminisced on his first meeting with him on the Under The Cosh podcast, saying: “I had a game against Roy Keane at [Nottingham] Forest. We played them in the cup. F****** hell, I camped all over him, mate. He was my dream player to play against… Perfect for me.
“Used to rangey, long, simple runs, not clever players, easy to pick off. Roy Keane weren’t a clever player when he made runs. He was just direct third man run, that’s all it was.”
Hillier was questioned on if he was as fit as Keane, and he responded: “Oh I was easily as fit as Roy Keane. I was fitter than Roy Keane.”
Who would you rather as a club legend?
With 19 major trophies throughout an 18-year playing career compared to the Englishman’s two in 15 years, it’s unlikely Keane will remember lining up against the former Gunner in a cup game for Forest.
If Keane was upset by Hillier’s comments, he can wipe his tears with one of his seven Premier League winner’s medals.