Roy Keane calls ex-Premier League hardman a 'snake in the grass' who got away with murder on the pitch

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane labelled a former opponent who was known for his 'hardman' status in the Premier League as a "snake in the grass".

Keane is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to ever grace English football after enjoying a successful career playing for the likes of Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United and Celtic.

During his spell at Old Trafford, Keane lifted 17 trophies and built up a reputation for his no-nonsense and tough approach to the game.

Last year, the Irishman spoke about his disciplinary record with the likes of Gary Neville, Jill Scott and Ian Wright on an episode of The Overlap's Stick To Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet.

Keane's battles with ex-Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira are legendary, of course. Both men loved playing against one another as the two sides battled for Premier League supremacy in the early 2000s.

And we all know about that tunnel altercation at Highbury.

Neville also asked Keane for his opinion on Dennis Wise, who played over 300 games for Chelsea and won the FA Cup twice.

He and Keane also faced off in the 2004 FA Cup final when Wise played for Millwall, which United won comfortably. Images of Keane laughing at Wise during the game have even emerged online.

Keane delved into the tactics Wise used on the pitch, all away from the eyes of the referee.

The 53-year-old explained: "I think he [Wise] used to get away with it a lot because he was sneaky. He was a snake in the grass, he used to pinch people."

Wise wound United players up in the 2000 Community Shield, which Chelsea won 2-0.

He reportedly plucked a hair out of Nicky Butt's leg before telling his foe: "I hope I didn't hurt you too much."

Keane and Wise coming up against each in other. Image credit: Getty

When previously discussing Wise's antics, Neville joked: "Dennis Wise was unbelievable with what he used to get away with. He’d gouge your eyes out, Dennis Wise!"

In total, Wise made 747 club appearances across all competitions, scoring 120 goals. After retiring, he managed the likes of Millwall, Swindon Town and Leeds United.