DON'T GO KEANO

Last updated : 02 February 2003 By Editor

"People are assuming that he is just going to go straight back into international football.

"But the situation is more complicated than that. I think the medical staff who look after Roy may be the key people in him reaching his decision."People forget Roy has just had a major operation at 31 years of age and has been out for four months.

"That is a crucial factor and I'll tell him that.Roy's hip problem is something we will have to keep an eye on, even though he's had the operation.

"Because of the nature of his injury and the surgery he had, he goes through a regular exercise routine before and after each match.

"I'll sit down with Roy and let him know what I think.

"But you only have to look at how Alan Shearer has benefited from not playing for England to see that it can help players of Roy's age.

"I'll point to Shearer as an example of what can be achieved by players in their 30s opting out of the international game.

"Shearer discovered that you can't please three parts of the football equation.

"Maybe Roy would be better just settling for two - Manchester United and himself.

"But don't let anyone doubt his patriotism and his pride at having played for his country.

"Roy is an intelligent man and he'll make his own decisions. But he knows my feelings."