Wilson remembers Keane lectures
Celtic defender Mark Wilson admits his abiding memory of Roy Keane will be the dressing down the Corkman gave him just five minutes into his Old Firm debut.
The 34-year-old midfielder announced his retirement from football after taking medical advice on a hip injury which plagued him in the latter stages of his career.
The former Manchester United player only played 13 times for the Bank of Scotland Premier League champions since moving to Celtic Park in December, weeks before Wilson was signed from Dundee United.
Keane made his mark on the Scotland Under-21 player when both played against Rangers for the first time in their SPL clash at Ibrox in February which the Hoops won 1-0.
Wilson said: “If I remember anything about Roy it will be the first time he slated me in my first Old Firm game .
“I had only played a few games for Celtic before that day and had hardly spoken to him but after five minutes of the biggest game of my life he had a go at me.
“I had watched his world famous rants on television when he was at Manchester United and I used to think: ’I’m glad I’m not on the end of that’, but then it was me who was getting it and it stemmed from a simple thing.
“I had been sitting too far back and had allowed Chris Burke to take an Alan Hutton pass and run at me and Rangers ended up with a corner.
“Roy let me know about it and as usual, he was totally right, but I took it on the chin and learned from my mistake.”
Wilson admits that early lesson from Keane was only one part of his football education from the fiery Corkman.
The former Dundee United full-back believes his short time alongside the former Old Trafford star will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career.
He said: “Roy opened my eyes because I had never seen a professional set such high standards. He showed me what it took to be a top player not only in Scotland but in the world because that’s what Roy was, a world class player.
“Even though he was nearing the end of his career Real Madrid wanted to buy him before he came to us so that shows you that he was still rated.
“He had such high expectations of himself and everyone around him and although some older players would perhaps be winding down, Roy would be in the gym every day. But the main thing he had was concentration. It was unbelievable.
“Before a game he would be sitting in the dressing room ’in the zone’, not talking and focusing on the game ahead.
“And if he had a bad game he didn’t want to speak to anyone and that showed you how good a professional he was. It was great learning from a player like him. He was a great to play alongside and I will miss him next season.”
The Parkhead defender admits Keane’s absence next season could affect the Hoops’ Champions League campaign.
He said: “It will be a massive blow for us not to have Roy next season in Europe because he is one of the most experienced players in the world.
“Any team would miss him, in fact, I think Manchester United still miss him. Our chances in the Champions League will take a wee dent. It was always going to be hard in the group stages anyway but it will be harder without Roy.
“But you could say he is only one player and I’m sure the manager will bring in some fresh faces.”
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