Roy Keane may have a fearsome reputation but a new viral video has proved there’s a softer side to the former Manchester United captain.
One of football’s most notorious ‘hard men’, Keane took no prisoners on the pitch and has become known for his no-nonsense approach to punditry since hanging up his boots.
While he may relish playing the role of a villain, Irish doctor Niamh Ni Loinsigh says Keane is a “hero” in his home city of Cork.
In a new viral video on Twitter, Dr Loinsigh has shared a heartwarming story involving Keane earlier in his career in which he helped a young child recover from serious illness.
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“The closest thing I’ve witnessed to a Christmas miracle was facilitated, I think, by Roy Keane,” said Dr Loinsigh.
“This was 20 years ago and we were looking after a patient who was very, very unwell and it came to a point where we weren’t really sure if they were going to make it.
“Unannounced, and without any fanfare, Roy Keane came to visit the children’s ward.
“He gave that child the boost and the energy that they needed to just keep going a little bit more.
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“On Christmas Eve the professor of paediatrics rang me in tears and I feared the worst.
“But no, he said that this child was completely better and was going home. So thanks Roy.”
Dr Loinsigh later added on Twitter: I hope Roy Keane knows the huge impact he has had on so many lives.
“I'm sure this is just one example.”
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Graeme Souness has also spoken about his fondness for fellow Sky Sports pundit Keane, claiming they are like “two peas from the same pod”.
"I didn't know Roy before. I had met him briefly but never really knew him,” Souness told Belfast Live.
"He is extremely funny off camera, which people don't get to see.
"And I think we are like two peas from the same pod, and we have the same views on football."
Featured Image Credit: Dr Niamh Ni Loinsigh/Twitter and PA ImagesTopics: Manchester United, Roy Keane, Sky Sports, Football, Premier League