Keane Praises Want-Away Nicky Butt


Keane on Butt

By Chris O'Brien
January 15 2004

Roy Keane has praised want-away Nicky Butt, and has backed the 28-year-old not to make any rash decisions over finding a new club. Manchester-born Butt had a transfer request accepted by Sir Alex Ferguson earlier in the week, with the England international frustrated by a lack of first-team games. New Page 1

Keane Praises Want-Away Butt
Reciprocating the feelings of many United fans, Roy Keane has praised want-away midfielder Nicky Butt and has stressed that he doesn't believe the England international will make any rash decisions about finding a new club during the January transfer window.

Butt recently had a transfer request accepted by Sir Alex Ferguson, with the defensive minded midfielder frustrated by the lack of first-team action he is getting as the competition for a place in the United line-up mounts.

"I still regard Nicky as one of the best midfielders in England," said United skipper.

"Apart from being a very good player, he is also excellent in the dressing room, which is so important.

"I am sure there will be plenty of clubs interested in him and hopefully he will get the right move.

With Middlesbrough, Glasgow Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur believed to be leading the chase for the 28-year-old, there is certainly plenty of interest in Butt. However, Keane believes Butt won't rush his way out of Old Trafford, despite his England place in jeopardy through lack of regular matches.

"Unless the right club comes in for him, I don't think he will leave." said Keane.

"I understand where he is coming from. Nicky is 28 now and he needs to be playing, especially with the European Championships coming up.

"I don't think this is a knee-jerk reaction, he has probably been thinking about it for a while because he has not played many games this season.

"He has been a great servant to Manchester United and if he doesn't get the move he is looking for, I'm sure he will be happy to keeping plugging away here."

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