Bruce rules out Blues move for Keane
21/11/2005 - 09:27:17Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has ruled out making a move to bring his former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane to St Andrews.
Keane is inevitably being linked with a host of clubs after leaving Old Trafford including Celtic, Manchester City, Everton, Aston Villa, West Brom and Portsmouth.
Bruce is confident 34-year-old Keane still has plenty to offer as a player after 12 years with United and believes he will be “missed” by the Red Devils.
But he will not be making a move for the former Republic of Ireland skipper despite City’s current bottom three Premiership placing.
Bruce said: “I think he has still got something left as a player. I know him well. I wouldn’t be surprised if something is already sorted. Will we be trying to sign him? No, I think we can rule that one out, that’s for sure.
“Like everything, all good things do come to an end and I was shocked as everyone else by the timing of Roy’s departure.
“Roy Keane will go down as part of Man United’s history, one of the great players. They have been associated with great players and I don’t think many have served as well as Roy over 12 years.
“He has been a wonderful player, a wonderful leader, a great captain. I am sure he will be missed.
“Everyone knows him as a fantastic footballer but it is very rare that you get genuine leaders who lead and take people with them. He epitomised everything you would want in a captain.”
Bruce was faced with a similar situation to Keane when his glory days at United came to an end and he chose to play on for a further two years at Birmingham before moving into management.
He said: “You have to realise it’s gone.’ I was at United for 10 years and I enjoyed playing two years at Birmingham. I had got to the twilight of my career at 36, felt I had a great innings and was determined to enjoy my two years at Birmingham.
“I knew they were going to be my last. It was my swansong. I think Roy enjoys the game so much that it will not be too long before he is back – whether he comes back into management or as a player.
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