As it’s Roy Keane’s birthday, here are five of his best punditry moments

There may never be an Irish footballer who has ever split opinions in the manner Roy Keane has, but one of the most inspirational men to ever don the green jersey celebrates his 42nd birthday today.

You would be forgiven that it is now 20 years since the Corkman signed for Manchester United in a then British record transfer fee and undoubtedly left his mark on the game across channel. And on one or two opponents as well. Since he hung up his boots after a glittering and often controversial career, he has managed Sunderland and Ipswich to varying degrees and after an underwhelming period at Portman Road, has been a regular pundit on our screens. It was inevitable that he would analyse in the same manner as he played the game. Ruthless, honest and not afraid to let his colleagues have it, so here are five of Keano’s top moments in the studio. And yes, there were more than a few to choose from.

Dismal Ireland performance at Euro 2012 – “I’m not happy with all that nonsense”

The European Championships last summer are thankfully now a distant nightmare, but after a disappointing showing in Poland, especially after the thumping from Spain, Keane was never going to shy away from criticising the team. The fact that our fans ultimately put up a better showing only added to his frustrations. “Let’s not just go along with the sing song every now and then”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p7B7EDttEw

Will England win Roy? – “No”

While ITV and Adrian Chiles were hopeful of an England win against Italy last year in Euro 2012, Roy was showing how to be economic with words while remaining honest to himself, something Chiles himself struggles to grasp. Concise punditry and spot-on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT7PLHj6osQ

Roy’s anguish at working with Adrian Chiles

There are many ways of describing Adrian Chiles’ style as a football anchor. Many of them we won’t repeat, but it’s fair to say his approach in front of the camera is a little different to the Irishman’s. England’s friendly last year with Poland was cancelled after a downpour (or is that heavy rain?) and Chiles decided to proceed with a pretty ridiculous question. A picture really does paint a 1,000 words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3HAaXj_zVc

Nani sees red, as does Roy in studio

What proved to be Alex Ferguson’s final Champions League game in charge of United was undoubtedly swung by a decision to send off Nani with United looking in control against Real Madrid in the return leg at Old Trafford. Of course the Spanish giants quickly capitalised with the Red Devils down to 10 men and many observers felt it was a harsh call on the Portugese man. Roy of course was not one of them, adamant it was the right call, with Gareth Southgate in particular feeling the pressure. His comment about Nani not being the bravest boy on the planet was the icing on the cake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krl9aKzOy6g

Showing a sense of humour with Gareth Southgate

His reaction to the Nani red card caused quite the stir, but thankfully for us, Keane was back on duty again the following weekend for an FA Cup tie between United and Chelsea. As well as sticking by his guns, he showed his often unseen sense of humour by taking the piss out of Gareth Southgate for “almost cutting him in half” back in the day. The irony not lost on even Chiles. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBP9zPp5iBE