Keane may retire at end of season :o :o :o

Celtic midfielder Roy Keane may consider hanging up his boots at the end of the current campaign.
The 34-year-old ex-Manchester United star is contracted to stay at Parkhead for another season but a long-standing hip problem may lead to a rethink.

He told the Guardian: "When I signed for Celtic I did say it would be best to maybe look at things in the summer.

"They were keen for me to sign for the extra year, which I did. I will see how my hip is bearing up in the summer."

Keane completed a switch from Old Trafford to Celtic by signing an 18-month deal in December 2005.

He added: "I am due to go back to the hip specialist in the summer.

"It is important to be fair to myself and the club if it is affecting me.

"I will weigh it up then but there are no guarantees about next season, I have to say."

Since having the surgery in 2002 I have regarded every season as a bonus but I have got to look at the long-term side of it and see what is best for me and my family

The former Republic of Ireland captain had a hip operation in September 2002 following concerns about whether the injury would cut short his career.

He also revealed in February 2003 that he may require a hip replacement once his playing days were over.

"Since having the surgery in 2002 I have regarded every season as a bonus but I have got to look at the long-term side of it and see what is best for me and my family," stated Keane.

"Over the last few months I have always put football first but, come the summer, I need to look at what is best for my family."

Keane, who played for the Red Devils for 12-and-a-half years, is set to have a Manchester United testimonial against Celtic later this year, with 9 May a possible date for the match.

Strachan cool on Keane quit fears

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan is playing down Roy Keane's admission he could quit the club in the summer.

The 34-year-old ex-Manchester United star is contracted to stay at Parkhead for another season but a long-standing hip problem may lead to a rethink.

But Strachan said: "That's exactly what he said to me when he signed, we would have a look at it again in the summer which you do at that age.

"It is something that goes on late in your football career."

Strachan does not appear to be ruffled by the prospect of losing such an influential player.

"It caused a fair bit of stir in the media world, but nobody has mentioned a thing in the Celtic training camp," added the manager.

"You look at your career at the end of every season whether you have got a contract or not.

"He is just warning everybody that there could be something around the corner.

"But at the moment, his hip is fine, he is playing great and is loving the club.

"The players love him so the world is good for Roy Keane and anyone associated with him."