Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has become the latest person to call on Roy Keane to continue playing beyond his current Old Trafford contract .
Keane has previously claimed that he will hang up his boots when his contract expires in 2006, but many have called on him to reconsider, with Ferdinand insisting that United still need him.
Ferdinand has been tipped by many to eventually take over from Keane as the United captain, however despite wearing the skipper's armband during Keane's absence, he is not yet ready to do so on a full-time basis.
"It was a great buzz being captain. Coming out was a marvellous feeling knowing many great players had gone before me, but I would rather not be skipper and Roy Keane still be playing," Ferdinand said.
"He is a great influence on the team, in the changing room and a great person to have in the squad. That desire he has got runs through the team. He is very important to us," he added.
Keane is the driving force in the United side heading to Goodison Park for an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Everton tomorrow. The 33-year-old midfielder has been impressive during his side's run, taking 42 points out of a possible 48.
Ferdinand added: "Roy has been playing to a high level consistently in the last few months. It is not just the way he plays - he expects high standards from everyone
else."
"Playing for a club like this you have got to have expectations and standards of your own. If you don't hit them, then there will always be someone around to sort you out and he is one of them that does that."
