Roy Keane, too often MIA, shouldn’t throw stones

While admitting Gerrard is good, Keane claimed he is better. He went on to say that Gerrard “didn’t kick a ball for the first few months last season.” Continuing to rub it in on Vieira, Keane remarked that the French international goes missing when it really counts in the big games, as was the case against Chelsea in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
Keano doesn’t have to talk the talk about these players, or anyone else, for that matter. We all know he’s still one of the best around, at least in the Premier, which, by the way, is overrated. The outspoken Corkman should be reminded also that he doesn’t compete on a full throttle now, as his manger Alex Ferguson only uses him sporadically — so being more rested, he should be able to mix it up with the best.
We all agree that Vieira did go MIA against Chelsea, as did most of the Arsenal team on that day. But Chelsea did extremely well. Nevertheless, Keane has missed out on a few big games himself. He was unavailable because of a red card for the Champions League final against Bayern Munich. And need we be reminded that he missed the entire World Cup in Japan/Korea when he walked away?
These examples may not be that he went missing while on the field, but the fact of the matter is he was not there. Red cards have indeed put Keane out of games throughout his career and it’s only recently that the United veteran has been stirring clear of trouble.
As for the World Cup fallout with the Irish, at the end of the day that was Keano’s decision, wasn’t it? Whatever chance he had of mixing it with the best in the world back then he didn’t even make it onto the field.
During his U.S. press interview, after saying he was better than Gerrard Keane did also say he was not being big-headed. But is it a question of being cocky? Perhaps Fergie talks too much in the United camp as to how highly he rates Gerrard. Nonetheless, it’s not a matter of vanity it’s a matter of being humble. Keane needs to remember some of times he was not there himself for whatever reason whether on or off the field.

BECKS THE EXHIBITIONIST
Let’s not be fooled by David Beckham’s performance in his return to Portugal. In Benfica’s centenary, the legendary club hosted Real Madrid and Beckham played center midfield. He did do some outstanding stuff, but where was the pressure? It was an exhibition game and that’s what we now associate Becks with. The true test for the fallen star is his complete season in La Liga. He was taken out at halftime by new Real boss Jose Antonio Camacho with rest a likely reason. The Spice is going to need it as he faces the biggest challenge of his career just around the corner.

THE NEW BRAZIL
Brazil are Copa America 2004 Champions after beating archrivals Argentina on penalties last week. Brazil’s Adriano made it 2-0 with the last kick of the game, sending the final into a shootout. The Argentine bench helped cool down the Brazilians by squirting water on them as they celebrated the equalizer, which caused a free-for-all brawl. The dramatic end to Copa was too much for Argentina who missed their first penalty. The new Brazilian stars of the future — Adriano, Diego and Juan — put their spot kicks away. The big three Rs — Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivoldo — were unavailable, so Felipe, Cris, Renato, Alex and Maicon were also making names for themselves as Brazil once again beat Argentina seemingly against the run of play.

OVERMARS RETIRES
For the last 10 years, Marc Overmars simply got on with his job as one of the best wingers around. There was a glimpse of his devastating evasion when he left the Portuguese defense for dead in the Euro semifinal. But he was removed at halftime. His ongoing knee trouble has finally taken its toll as the ex Ajax player has retired from the game.
Overmars did not have the status as a superstar, but his wing play brought balance to his side. However, on his day he could be a match winner too. He played a critical role in Arsenal’s double in 1998, then went on to join Barcelona. At the age of 32 last season, he had an impact with Barca, playing some fantastic attacking football. He will be missed. But there is always a chance he can stay in the game, as he is one of the most respected players of our time.
Such player status goes a long way in the game today. Even though there are some stringent rules regarding coaching qualifications, some players have gone on to make a living and do well as managers. The most current being Jurgen Klinsmann. After failing miserably in Euro 2004, Rudi Voller stepped down. Klinsmann is expected to prepare Germany, who host the 2006 World Cup. Since Beckenbaur did it as a player and manager, the Germans may believe that formula works, but Klinsmann is no Franz.

THE ROD IS BACK
The rod is back: That’s the message for Longford Town, St. Pat’s and Derry City, who are in the relegation zone in the Eircom League. That’s Mr. Roddy Collins, who is coming back to take over Dublin City, who is 7 points short of survival. Collins made a name for himself in the Eircom League and was immediately swiped up by Carlisle United a few years ago.
United let him go, and now the fighting manager believes the right club has come in for him nearly a year later. His first plan is to bring in a big-name player to bolster confidence in a club struggling to adapt in the top division. The Dubs were promoted last year and have found out the hard way the difference between the First Division and the Premier. However, Shelbourne continue to dominate the league, while Bohs keep Uefa Cup hopes alive under Stephen Kenny