KEANE VS. MCCARTHY

There was a time, quite recently, when it was unthinkable that Steve Harmison's bowling would generate more interest than the prospect of Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy shaking hands in public, but McCarthy's telephone call to Keane a fortnight ago and Keane's conciliatory tone - has defused their meeting prior to Wolves' game against Sunderland tonight. As Keane said yesterday: "Change is good."

Determined not to revisit the events of Saipan 4 years ago, Keane said once again that a handshake will be forthcoming and that there may be a chat in McCarthy's office afterwards, as is managerial tradition.

“I spoke to Mick a few weeks ago and we put everything to bed. As far as I'm concerned it's about the players tomorrow, it's Sunderland versus Wolves and everyone should be talking about that.”

McCarthy was similarly disposed. “I will shake his hand, of course I will, and it will be a genuine gesture and not something for the TV cameras. I will also ask Roy into my office for a drink afterwards - I know he doesn't drink alcohol but I'll pour him a lemonade or a cola or a coffee or whatever he wants.”