The eclectic yet star-studded list of guests on the Overlap's 'Stick to Football' grew this week, with the appearance of Northern Irish golfing legend Rory McIlroy alongside regulars Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, and Ian Wright.
'Stick to Football' has become essential viewing not only for football fans but for sports fans in general, with the rapport of the core group of hosts mixing well with an array of stars from the sporting world.
Ronnie O'Sullivan and Eddie Hearn have both appeared in recent months, while comedian Paddy McGuinness hosted the celebratory Christmas quiz just last week.
The appearance of Rory McIlroy side by side with Roy Keane was a particular treat for Irish sporting fans - especially given McIlroy is a die-hard Manchester United fan and grew up supporting the club during Keane's time there as a player.
The ex-United captain was left blushing with the very first story McIlroy told, however, as the four-time Major champion revealed he had once been left hanging after asking Keane for an autograph.
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Roy Keane turned down a young Rory McIlroy's autograph request
Evidently, the story of Rory McIlroy's autograph request had been discussed off-screen before filming began on 'Stick to Football' in association with Sky Bet. Roy Keane's former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville shot right in to quiz McIlroy on it with his very first question.
[The conversation in question starts at 2:20 in the above video]
McIlroy revealed that, as a young golfer staying at Portmarnock Links, he had bumped into Roy Keane and the Irish squad - and had gotten a less-than-cheery response from the then-Manchester United skipper:
I was down at Portmarnock Links Hotel and the Irish team were staying. It was a training camp, I think. I saw one of my United heroes in the lobby, Roy Keane.
I went over and asked him for an autograph. I was 12.
He looked up at me and goes, 'not today, kid.'
Keane was left in disbelief by the story, asking McIlroy if it was true before somewhat hanging his head in shame.
Though Keane took plenty of stick from his fellow ex-footballers on the show for turning down a child for an autograph, McIlroy did come to his defence. The Northern Irishman said he too had had to turn down autographs during his pro career, and that it was unfortunate but something that had to be done.
Keane went on to say he felt embarrassed if McIlroy's story was true.
Keane (cringing): Is that true?
McIlroy: You looked busy!
Keane: I was probably in the zone, was I going training? The only thing I'd remember about that hotel was that there were always kids around annoying the players. Here was another one!
McIlroy: It didn't make an impression on me at all, it was fine.
Keane: I'm still gonna fight my corner on this...I feel bad if that's 100% true. I wouldn't just snub a little kid, fuckin' hell. Give me a break!
As Jamie Carragher would point out, Roy Keane was quite unfortunate that the one kid he did choose to snub would go on to become one of the world's greatest golfers and most recognisable sportspeople.
Judging by their chat on 'Stick to Football' this week, we think Rory McIlroy may have forgiven Keane.
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