Billy Clarke has revealed how he once knocked on Roy Keane’s front door... aged 13.


Charlton’s Irish attacker, 29, grew up in Cork and was virtually neighbours with Keane’s parents.

So, he decided to pop round to meet his fearsome hero, then at the height of his playing career with Manchester United.

Clarke told News Shopper: “Roy Keane is probably the best Irish player ever.

“So obviously being from Cork and living 10 minutes from me, he was naturally someone who I looked up to.

“I can’t remember who answered the door, maybe his brother or dad. I think I was more led by my dad. He was probably trying to use me to see Keane.

News Shopper: Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane

Roy Keane is now the Republic of Ireland’s assistant manager 

“Keane’s parents still live around the corner from me. I’ve seen him in the local a couple of times but that was it.”

Clarke would meet Keane again when he was coming through the ranks at Ipswich.

Keane was appointed as the club’s manager in April 2009 when Clarke was out on loan scoring for fun in the lower leagues of English football.

Despite netting 17 times in the 2008/09 campaign with Darlington, Northampton and Brentford, the playmaker was let go by his idol.

And it was a huge mistake by Keane - Clarke helped Blackpool into the Premier League, while Ipswich finished in 15th place in the Irishman’s first and only full season in charge.

Clarke recalled: “I think he had Jordan Rhodes coming through just underneath me.

News Shopper:

Billy Clarke | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography 

“I had done pretty well that season, I think I scored 17 goals out on loan at a couple of League Two clubs. I was at Darlington, Northampton and then went to Brentford.

“It was a bit surprising but I went to Blackpool and got promoted to the Premier League. So it worked out in the end.”

Clarke’s Championship and League One experience will be invaluable for Charlton this season as they aim to return to England’s second tier.

The Addicks signed Clarke from Bradford for an undisclosed fee in the summer.

Playing in the number 10 role, he has scored twice and created numerous chances for his team-mates.

MORE: Robinson admits Charlton loanee could solve striker shortage in January

Charlton are sixth after 11 games and Clarke is pleased with their start to the season.

He said: “I was happy to be part of a group of signings that are all good players.

“I’m happy with how the season has gone so far.

“We’ve been through a little blip. But we went to Fleetwood and turned it around and played really well. So it’s so far, so good.”

Next up for Clarke and Charlton is the visit of Doncaster on Saturday.