Roy Keane reveals how Tommy Burns changed his perception on Celtic after ‘nightmare’ debut

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Roy Keane’s Celtic debut ended up with the Hoops suffering one of the most embarrassing defeats in the club’s history.

Keane left Manchester United to join Celtic and was handed what was, on paper, a routine Scottish Cup tie against Clyde.

Everyone expected it to be a walkover for Gordon Strachan’s side but the script wasn’t followed as Clyde claimed a 2-1 victory.

It was a real wake-up call for Keane who was rightly raging, only to be brought down to Earth by Celtic legend Tommy Burns.

• READ MORE: What Roy Keane was really like as Celtic player, who Manchester United legend’s mates were at Parkhead

Roy Keane recalled aftermath of Celtic’s embarrassing Clyde defeat

Writing in his autobiography, Keane revealed how he was angered by teammate John Hartson and how the Celtic supporters reacted when they arrived back at Parkhead.

“It was a nightmare. I wasn’t happy with my own game. I did okay but okay wasn’t enough,” said the Cork native.

“After the game, the disappointment. When I got on the bus, John Hartson, a really good guy, was already sitting there and he was eating a packet of crisps – with a fizzy drink. I said to myself, ‘Welcome to Hell’.

“We went back on the bus to Celtic Park. A lot of fans were waiting, having a right go at Gordon and some of the players as we got off the bus.”

Tommy Burns acted as the peacekeeper between Celtic’s players and fans

If anyone was going to calm the situation down it was going to be the man himself, Burns.

With Strachan and the fans involved in a back-and-forth, Keane revealed how Burns managed to get the fans back on side.

Recalling the conversation, Keane said: “Tommy Burns – and I take my hat off to him – stood on the steps and had a go at some of the Celtic fans. Some of those lads were ready for a bit of action. He said, ‘You’re not Celtic fans. You’ve got to get behind the team.’ I remember thinking, ‘This is a good start’.

“My first game and already the fans were up in arms and one of the staff was on the steps of Celtic Park, having to defend the manager. So that was a nice gentle introduction.”

Despite winning a league and cup double, the Ireland international struggled with injuries and left after one season before retiring.