As Roy Keane turns 50, there have been many anecdotes relating to the Cork man.
Much of it focuses on his prowess on the field for Manchester United, the Republic of Ireland and others.
But there are many stories too from off the field that sum up the midfield general.
One particularly insightful - and funny - piece reveals Keane's loyalty in today Irish Daily Star and Irish Daily Mirror.
Speaking to Mark McCadden, former Manchester United apprentice Dessie Baker tells his unique Roy Keane story.
🗣️ 'Schmeichel calls him over, 'Irish, can I see my face in these?!''
🗣️ 'Keane says, 'His name is not Irish, it is f****** Dessie!'@gergilroy reads an insightful story Dessie Baker told about Roy Keane at #MUFC | #OTBAM #RoyKeane50@GilletteUK #BestFaceForward pic.twitter.com/m01ZNQP0Zj— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 10, 2021
Baker is a household name in the League of Ireland, having enjoyed success with a whole host of clubs including Shamrock Rovers.
However, when joining the English giants as a teenager in the early 1990s, Baker crossed paths with Keane and other big names.
It was custom at that time that the youngsters would carry out chores around the club, including boot cleaning.
Dessie Baker had responsibility for five players. One of them was Peter Schmeichel.
"I remember putting the boots down one day. The dressing room was packed with all the first-team players," Baker said.
"I was walking out of the room and Peter Schmeichel said to me 'Irish'.
"He said something like 'Can I see my face in those boots?'
"I was all panicky. I got all nervous. 'I don't know I said'.
"'Do them properly' he said, 'and get me some tea and toast."
Intervention
The interaction prompted his fellow countryman Keane - who had a frosty relationship with the Dane - to intervene.
"I was walking out of the changing room and Roy stood up.
"'Excuse me, Dessie isn't it?'
"I said 'yeah'. He said 'come here for a second'.
"Anyway, Roy pushed back and said 'Here, his name is not Irish, it's f**king Dessie.
"'If you've got a problem with your boots then tell him, don't be smart.
"He turned to me. 'Don't get him tea and toast, he'll get his own tea and toast."
"So that was the first encounter I really had with Roy.
"It was like he was looking after me straight from the get-go."
Eamon Dunphy on Keane | From table dancing to cups of tea in pubs: the maturing Roy Keane
