West Bromwich Albion No2 Eddie Newton says he always had respect for Manchester United legend Roy Keane.
For tonight's Carling Cup clash, Newton is looking forward to facing Ipswich boss Keane on the touchline again, after locking horns many times with the former Manchester United great during their playing days.
"When we played each other it was hard but it was good and I enjoyed it," he insisted to the WBA website.
"He may have been hard but he was fair and that's one of the things I liked about Roy.
"You knew if you went into a challenge he was going for the ball but he was going in hard because he is committed as a person - and I had no problems with that.
"It was how I played my football because I was fully committed and I appreciated that in others.
"I respected him highly as a player and I respect him highly as a manager with his comments.
"He is forthright and says exactly what is on his mind - and he doesn't hold back.
"That's just the person he is."
