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Woodgate Keane On Derby Clash
By Betting Zone
September 21 2007
Jonathan Woodgate used to relish those games when Roy Keane lined up against him and now rates the former Manchester United midfielder as an important role model. Woodgate, 27, will come up against Keane's team Sunderland in the Tees-Wear derby on Saturday and fully expects some of the Irishman's qualities to have rubbed off on his players.
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"I played against him a few times and he was outstanding, always the leader on the pitch and dominating and being the forefront of Manchester United," said Woodgate.

"I liked playing against him because he was a top player and even if we played in different positions there were always things I could learn from the way he went about the game, the things he did and the example he set to others.

"He was a world-class player and he has put some of his qualities into the Sunderland team, you can see that from the way they working.

"I'm sure they will stay up this season and I really hope they do - the more north-east teams the better for us.

"There will be an extra edge tomorrow because my family and friends work and live with Mackems and Geordies - so we'll get the bragging rights if we beat them."

Woodgate rejected a number of offers last summer and settled to stay at Middlesbrough after spending last season on loan from Real Madrid.

His decision meant that his active involvement with European football this week was limited to switching channels on his TV remote control.

Watching the cream of Europe fight it out is no substitute for being there though, even with high-definition TV, and Woodgate is determined to return to that stage.

He added: "The Champions League is a place where every footballer wants to play, and when you are watching the games you do think...

"There's not a better competition in the world and like every player I want to play in the Champions League.

"Being honest we can't get into the Champions League this season, that's the fact of it, but we can try to push for European places.

"Europe is not out of our reach. I didn't come here just to consolidate in the league, I came here to push for Europe.

"Consolidation is a failure for me.

"Without a doubt I think we should get into the UEFA Cup. The top four last season should get the top four places again, and I think the rest are up for grabs."

Woodgate's other challenge is to secure an England recall - something that has all too often appeared assured in the recent past only for injury to intervene.

He rejects suggestions however that his chances will have been harmed by staying at Middlesbrough.

"Stewart [Downing] has been in every squad for the last two years so I wouldn't say that is the case. If you play well for your club every week then you'll get selected for your country.

"Obviously I want to try to get into the squad for the European Championships but it is not going to be easy with the type of players we have got.

"Injuries have come at bad times in the past but that's the way it goes in football, you get lucky and you get bad luck; sometimes you are injured sometimes you are not.

"I hope I'll get a chance soon - they have been playing really well recently and the performances they put in the last two games has been a credit to the players and the management team."

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By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.

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Woodgate Keane On Derby Clash
Posted by: ComeOnBoro (IP Logged)
Date: 21/09/2007 13:09

Woodgate Keane On Derby Clash

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