Sammy McIlroy cannot understand why Manchester United skipper Roy Keane is contesting his two Football Association disrepute charges.
The former Republic of Ireland skipper confirmed last night he will attempt to clear his name at an FA hearing into allegations he deliberately set out to injure Alfie Haaland last year, then profited from saying so in his controversial autobiography.
It is likely to be the middle of next month by the time Keane's case is heard, when the player should be well on the road to recovery from his recent hip operation.
And, given the possibility of an eight-match suspension should the FA verdict go against him, McIlroy cannot see why Keane is dragging the case on.
"It was a horrendous challenge," Northern Ireland manager and former Old Trafford player McIlroy said. "How he is going to get out of it I don't know. There has been badness between Roy and Haaland over the years, but I find it very strange it is going this far."