Roy Keane

The most expensive player in the Premiership and the midfielder most commentators regard as being the best. His contribution to Manchester United's rise to eminence has been well documented and under Mick McCarthy he has evolved into the key player in terms of Ireland's international aspirations. He is nothing if not committed and his full blooded attitude has drawn critical comments but his aggression is generally positive and he has the personality and talent to control games. A thoroughbred. Keane's profile - through no fault of his own - sometimes overshadows that of United's other Cork man, the immaculate defender Denis Irwin.