Fabregas isn't in Scholes' class, says Keane

13 April 2012

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has told Cesc Fabregas he is not ready to be compared with Paul Scholes.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger likened his young French midfielder to the United veteran.

Scroll down to read more:

Fabregas: Growing in class all the time

But Keane, who played alongside Scholes for a decade at Old Trafford, said: "He has the potential to be as good as Paul Scholes, but not yet.

"To compare him to Paul Scholes you are talking about a top, top player who has done it over 12, 13, 14 years.

"Of course. he is at the perfect club and he has the perfect manager. He has a lot of experience for a young lad, I have to say that.

"I enjoy watching him play. I think he is a very good player. Even the media can see how good his passing and movement is.

"You don't have to be a football expert to see that. I'm sure if he has a good game Arsenal will have a good chance of winning.

"That is how you gauge a good player: if they have a major influence on a game. I'd take him in January if I had the chance!"

The Sunderland manager, who was involved in titanic clashes between the clubs, added: "The rivalry when I was at United was always with Arsenal.

"I think the players at the time didn't particularly like each other.

"I'm not saying they do now. I don't think the managers did that much. The supporters certainly didn't.

"Both were top teams. That helped. We knew any result against them had a big say in who was going to win the league. There was no doubt about that.

"If you get six points against your nearest rivals, you knew there was a good chance you were going to win the League.

"I loved all of the games against them. They were fantastic games. United v Arsenal games are the best, by far.

"It will be a good game between two top teams. I think it will be a draw but it is a game I am looking forward to watching."

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