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Keane ‘not smart, easy to play’

Former Arsenal midfielder David Hillier claims Manchester United legend Roy Keane was his “dream” opponent – as he wasn’t smart and “easily knocked out”.

Hiller’s assessment raises eyebrows even more as he was never a big name and often a fringe player in his eight years at youth club Gunners, while Keane is an all-time Premier League great.

But the Londoner, who has one cap for England Under-21s, didn’t hold back to describe how comfortable he felt playing against the midfield Hardman.

Hillier told the Under The Cosh podcast, “I had a game against Roy Keane [Nottingham] Forest. We played against them in the cup. Damn it, I stuffed it full, mate.

“He was my dream player to play against… Perfect for me.

“Used to wide, long, easy runs, no clever players, easy to intercept.

“Roy Keane wasn’t a smart player when he was making runs. He was just a direct third man run, that’s all.”

And when asked about the energy level, he replied: “Oh, I was just as fit as Roy Keane. I was fitter than Roy Keane.”