I’m more harsh than the worst critic – Roy

Apr 26 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

AFTER a week in which his managerial credentials have been under harsher scrutiny than at most times in his career, Roy Keane has ignored the criticism directed at him – because it is nothing like as harsh as his own self-analysis.

The Irishman’s tactics and team selection were questioned by fans after Sunderland’s 2-0 defeat by local rivals Newcastle United. Keane claims to have ignored it in the build-up to this afternoon’s visit of Middlesbrough, but not because he is deluding himself that he got everything right at St James’s Park.

“I’ve not had any criticism, have I? I’ve not seen any,” said Keane of the barrage of negative supporter reaction. “I don’t read (internet) message boards.

“If you think I’m going to be criticised by supporters and not by myself, you’re sadly mistaken. Whatever they might say would be nothing compared to what I would say about myself anyway. That’s why I don’t read these message boards – I’m busy enough doing it (criticising) myself. I’m my own harshest critic. You look through your decision-making, your teams and your tactics and, of course, you think about what you’ve done wrong and right. But you do that even after you win.”

Phil Bardsley’s damaged cartilage will be operated on next week and Jonny Evans is only 50-50 to face Boro after a hamstring injury. The pair’s absence proved crucial against Newcastle, although at least the Black Cats should be better prepared in their second derby in seven days. The expected return of Dwight Yorke could allow Dean Whitehead to replace Bardsley. The Mancunian’s operation is a relatively minor one, but still spells the end of his campaign.

“Phil has a knee problem, a slight tear,” Keane explained. “He’s been playing with it for two or three weeks but it flared up the other day and there’s no way he could have carried on.”

Evans has been pivotal to the Wearsiders’ improvement since arriving on loan from Manchester United in January, but Keane will not risk the young Northern Ireland defender aggravating his hamstring.

“It’s not worth taking a risk,” he argued. “He doesn’t have to be 100%, no player should be. As a professional sportsperson, you always have to be sore. But we have another game next weekend and we have to be fair to Manchester United as well.” Should Whitehead be moved to right-back it would mean Paul McShane – the Sunderland player singled out for most criticism on Sunday – returning to the sidelines. Keane, though, was protective of his defender.

“Paul was okay last week,” Keane insisted. “If you think before a game your players aren’t going to go out and make mistakes you’re mistaken.

“Paul made mistakes last weekend, but you have to bounce back. That’s part of being a footballer. You’re not going to go through your career without major disappointments.

“Paul bounced back very well after what happened at Everton (when he was part of the side beaten 7-1), so we know the type of character he is. If Paul plays, I’m sure he won’t let us down”

Ross Wallace and Anthony Stokes are pushing for recalls after their goal-scoring exploits for the reserves in midweek.

Wallace, who scored a hat-trick against Blackburn Rovers’ second string, has been out injured since January, while two-goal striker Stokes has been out of favour recently.