problems. Every time Roy Keane goes out on a football pitch he gives 100 per
cent. The minute he drops one per cent below that he will decide to finish.
"He demands 100 per cent from everyone around him and he will certainly not
accept any less from himself. If he thinks he is not giving United what they
deserve from him he will walk away.
"That is the sort of man he is. He will want to make sure he is earning his
wages - that is why he has so much respect at Old Trafford."
McGrath added: "I know Roy was very worried about his career when he had
to have the operation on his hip. It has been amazing how he has come back
- people assessing Roy Keane right now have to remember he has had five
months out recently.
"But Roy has to consider what he is putting himself through and what the
long-term dangers are. Roy has a young family and I do not believe he will put
his body on the line. Already, he has said he may have to have a hip
replacement in the future. But if a doctor tells him he is going to do real
physical damage to himself, he will hold his hands up and say 'OK, that's it'."
McGrath, 43, said: "I've had nine ops on my right knee and three on my left
knee, plus an Achilles tendon op. I have arthritis behind my right knee and I
might have to walk with a stick.
"Eventually, in my mid-50s, I am going to have to have my whole right knee
replaced and then the arthritis and pain should go.
"I can walk the dog, go to the gym and play some five-a-sides. But I still get
pain in my right knee and it is all something I've had to learn to live with.
"I was told to retire at 29 and could have taken that option - but I would not
have sacrificed another eight years playing the game and two World Cups for
the problems I have now. It would have been more horrendous to have
missed all that."
McGrath said: "If Roy did not like what he was doing, he could easily have
walked away by now. But he oozes determination and loves his football and
will want to play on as long as he can give his all.
"I think there are another two or three seasons for him still playing in the
centre of midfield and then he might have to think about moving positions into
defence.
"There are hundreds of footballers who will push themselves, take painkillers,
do special exercises, whatever - just to keep playing. I know why."
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