Roy Keane's reaction to daughter dating stunned audience before his 'bittersweet' remark

Roy Keane has revealed a softer side when it comes to his family life.

Despite his reputation for tough tackling on the pitch and no-nonsense analysis off it, the 53-year-old insists he's far more relaxed at home, especially with his daughters and their love lives. Keane, known for his uncompromising style during his Manchester United playing days and now as a pundit, is a father to five children with wife Theresa Doyle - Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna, all of whom are now adults.

Speaking on The Tommy Tiernan Show last year, Keane was asked about living in a house full of women, to which he bluntly responded "brilliant", causing much amusement among the rather stunned studio audience. He added: "No it is, brilliant. Really good kids, they're good, very good kids."

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When questioned about the most challenging aspect of fatherhood, Keane seemed at a loss for words before Tiernan interjected: "Are you f***ing kidding me are you?" Shaking his head and shrugging, Keane added: "No, they're ok. Listen when they get a bit older, I suppose boyfriends and that type of carry on, yeah that can be..."

Despite potential intimidation, he suggested he's quite laid-back as a father, clarifying to an intrigued audience: "You'd be very surprised. Surely that's the same for everybody." Tiernan suggested: "You're so guarded. Maybe you're just so calm and settled and strong?" To which Keane assured: "No, quite relaxed yeah. Do you want me to do a somersault or something? Very relaxed, nice drive up, we're good."

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