Vieira: Keane an inspiration

Patrick Vieira has lavished praise on former arch-rival Roy Keane.

There was no love lost between the two midfield powerhouses in a series of fiery Premiership clashes, but Vieira has insisted that he had enormous respect for Keane.

Games between Arsenal and Manchester United are still hotly anticipated but the Frenchman's decision to switch to Juventus last year ended one of the most gripping individual contests of recent times.

Vieira claims that he was inspired by facing Keane, and regrets that they will never play against each other again.

"I would have liked to have played him one more time," he sighed.

"Roy Keane loved the game and was passionate about winning for his team.

"For myself and the younger players who came through in The Premiership, he has been a great inspiration."

"He gave fantastic years to United and to his country, and he was one of the best midfielders in the world."