Keane looks to extend his stay

Roy Keane has declared himself ready to stay on at Manchester United after his current contract expires in 18 months' time.

Keane will turn 35 in the summer of 2006, and the hip injury which has blighted his game over recent seasons had led many to believe he would retire upon the expiry of his present deal.

Yet he has sprung back to top form for United of late, and Keane is optimistic that his Old Trafford career, which began after a move from Nottingham Forest in 1993, could still have several years to run.

"I could not be happier at the club and my biggest challenge is to keep going as long as I can," Keane told the Daily Mail.

"I have another year and a half left and I intend to see that out. If I am still able to play on after that, then I hope it will be at United.

"If I feel as good as this physically in a year's time, then I will hopefully try to play on."

Keane recognises that any decision is out of his hands, however his long service could persuade United to reward the skipper with an extension.

"As long as United want me, then I'm happy to stay," he added.

"I don't like looking too far ahead as things can change quickly.

"But if, please God, I can stay fit and feel strong and doing okay, then it's possible I could stay.

"I hope that there will be some more highlights to come in my career with this club."