A good Keane man keeps watchful eye

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KEEN TO LEARN: Sunderland manager and former Irish and Manchester United soccer star keeps a close eye on the All Blacks at training in Wellington this week.

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THE VISION: Irish soccer legend Roy Keane hears the words of wisdom from All Black coach Graham Henry.

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INTENT: Roy Kenae listens to Graham Henry during an All Blacks training.

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WATCHING: Steve Tew, Ricki Herbert and Roy Keane watch the All Blacks train.

Fairfax Media / Ross Giblin

INDOOR: Sunderland premier league football boss Roy Keane watches the All Black's indoor training session in Newtown.

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Irish soccer great Roy Keane has been a hit with the All Blacks although New Zealand coach Graham Henry can't quite get a handle on where the former Manchester United star's loyalties will lie in Saturday night's test in Wellington.

Keane and Pheonix and All Whites coach Ricki Herbert are spending the week with the All Blacks in Wellington as they look to complete their Uefa pro licence coaching badges by observing a team from another code.

The pair have watched the All Blacks train indoors and outdoors and attended team meetings over the first couple of days in camp as Henry's troops prepare to tackle Ireland at the Cake Tin in their season-opener.

Henry says Keane has been a delight to have around and it's clear there are benefits both ways, although the Irishman's heritage has the All Blacks mentor wondering about the fit this week. Keane will be with the All Blacks on Saturday night but he might have to keep his emotions in check - something that didn't always come easy during his illustrious playing career.

"I'm not quite sure if Roy has got a foot in both camps or not," Henry laughed as Keane immersed himself in the All Blacks' methods while across town the men in green setteld into their own routines and the sporting city geared up for what promises to be a fascinating test.

"But he's been great really. He's great to talk to. He's very bubbly."

Keane, an inspirational leader of his club and country who these days coaches Sunderland in the English Premier League, had lunch with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. "I don't think they chatted about leadership at all - they chatted about experiences and Roy has got a few of those which was good to listen to," said Henry.

"I just think it's good to have a guy of his esteem in the group that he can share some experiences with. Everybody knows him and respects him for what he has done in sport. And it's just great that he chose with Ricki Herbert to be here for a week."

Keane was a notorious hard man on the pitch who pushed the envelope when it came to dealing with opponents. Asked if he had spoken to Keane about referees, Henry smiled and said: "We probably have similar views there. I don't know what they'd be, but probably similar."