Gordon Strachan and Alex Ferguson have both paid tribute to former Manchester United skipper Roy Keane, after he announced his retirement from football.
Strachan has described the six months he spent working with Roy Keane - who called time on his glittering playing career yesterday - as 'a privilege'.
Years of operating as Manchester United's midfield enforcer have finally caught up with Keane, who after taking medical advice has opted to hang up his boots.
The Irishman enjoyed one last hurrah by helping Celtic win the Bank of Scotland Premier League title after joining the Hoops in January, and Strachan was full of praise for Keane's contribution to the cause.
'Roy Keane is one of the greatest ever players to grace the game of football,' said Strachan. 'It was fantastic we were able to bring him to Celtic and it has been a privilege to work with him.
'We were delighted to make Roy's dream come true when we signed him and we were happy when he made our dream come true, by helping us to win the title.
'It has been a privilege to work with him and while we would have very much liked Roy to continue for the remaining year of his contract, everyone at the club fully understands and respects the decision he has made,' Strachan added.
While Keane has always preferred to play down his contribution to the cause of Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Celtic, others have been more forthcoming, particularly United boss Alex Ferguson.
The Scot effectively terminated Keane's Red Devils career in November when, after a much-publicised but never-broadcast MUTV rant by his captain, Ferguson decided a parting of the ways was required.
Despite the split, the United manager's admiration for Keane remains undimmed and even though the competition is fierce, Ferguson could pay no higher compliment than confirm he rates the Irishman as the best player he has ever had.
'Roy's obsession with winning and the demand he put on others made him the most influential player in the dressing room,' said Ferguson.
'He became a great captain through that and to my mind he is the best player I've had in all of my time here. Over the years when they start picking the best teams of all time, he'll be in there.'
