Keane: I'm not finished yet

Roy Keane insists he can still be a major influence for Manchester United this season.

The long-serving Red Devils skipper has been limited to just nine starts in United's 17 competitive games this season through a combination of cracked ribs, squad rotation and most recently a flu virus.

Though United managed to beat Arsenal without their combative leader, they were also held to disappointing draws against Blackburn and Everton in his absence, while the Irishman was only introduced as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Portsmouth.

And, while Keane has openly admitted he has not produced the kind of inspirational performances that have been such a hallmark of his successful United career, the 33-year-old is confident he can still have a positive impact.

"It has been a stop-start season for me so far, but I still feel I have something to offer," said Keane.

"Since the season started, I played a couple of games at centre-half, I missed a few with cracked ribs and I was left out on a couple of occasions.

"It's frustrating for any player to miss matches but I am hoping to get a few games under my belt over the next few weeks.

"I have to bide my time but I still feel I have something to offer and am hoping to do a lot better."

Notoriously hard on his team-mates when results don't match expectations, Keane surprisingly remains upbeat about United's chances of being involved in the Premiership title race next spring even though they have already fallen nine points adrift of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

"I always believe we have got a chance," Keane added.

"Every year I am asked the same question and always I believe that we will be there or thereabouts. I am sure that will be the same this year."