By Chris O'Brien
July 2 2004

Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Irish outfit Cobh Ramblers was only supposed to be a reserve-team affair, but Red Devils skipper Roy Keane has insisted on playing in the match as a show of gratitude to his former the club. The game takes place on July 17th at Turners Cross.

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane will lead a Red Devils reserve side in their pre-season friendly against Cobh Ramblers. It will be an emotional return to the Republic of Ireland for the 32-year-old, with the Cork-based club where Keane started his memorable playing career.

The warm-up match at Turners Cross on July 17th was arranged for a United second-string side to take on the Irish outfit, but Roy Keane is believed to be desperate to compete against his former club. He is expected to fly to Cork from the United States of America, where United will play several pre-season games, especially for this fixture which will be played infront of a capacity crowd.

Keane's popularity in Ireland has flourished recently after his decision to return to international football, and he can expect a fantastic reception from Ramblers supporters as he takes on the club where he began the road to football stardom. The midfielder showed great potential during his 12 months with the League of Ireland outfit, before Brian Clough brought him to Nottingham Forest for a fee of £25,000.