Nemanja Matic has named Roy Keane as a midfielder he idolised as a child ahead of Serbia's World Cup qualifying match with the Republic of Ireland.
The Manchester United star spoke passionately about the former Red Devils hardman, who today works as Ireland's assistant boss.
Matic said he is looking forward to talking with Keane following the fixture at the Aviva Stadium, before admitting he attempted to emulate the Irishman's game as a child.
"I will be happy to see him and have a chat with him," said Matic.
"He is a legend of Man United and was a very important player for them for a long time.
"When I was young, when I started playing football, he was at his best and was a great player, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
"I tried to take from every player something good to improve myself, and he was one. I am happy now that I play in the same club as he played."
Matic has hit the ground running in his debut season at Manchester United after completing a £40million move from Chelsea.
The Serbian has been paired alongside Paul Pogba, giving the Frenchman a license to get forward, and United have profited from their new look formation, winning three in three so far this campaign.