Kind-hearted Roy Keane rescued my career, says Cardiff star Michael Chopra

Michael Chopra says his old boss Roy Keane doesn’t deserve his bad-boy image - and thanked him for rescuing his career.

Chopra reckons it was kind-hearted Keane’s personal touch which saved him sliding into the abyss.

The Championship’s top scorer - who was signed by Keane at Sunderland in a £5million deal - was in danger of going off the rails following his gambling addiction and the breakdown of his marriage.

But Keane, then in charge at the Stadium of Light, gave the troubled Chopra time off and booked him into rehab to sort out his off-field problems.

And ahead of his reunion tomorrow, Cardiff striker praised the under-pressure Ipswich chief for nurturing him through his rocky period.

Chopra, 25, said: “I owe Roy a lot. He was a massive help to me when I had some off-field problems at Sunderland.

“If I had a problem I knew I could go and speak to him. All I had to do was knock on his door.

“He was the one who told me check into rehab and sort myself out. I did that and came back a better player. After everything he did for me, I’ve got a lot of time and respect for him.

“I will always be grateful for the help and support he gave me. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”

Keane, who was given the vote of confidence with the struggling Tractor Boys this week, has been blasted for his heavy-handed mangement style.

A host of former Sunderland players, including Dwight Yorke, claimed they were scared of the Irish hardman following his dressing room rants.

But Chopra says the ex-Man United skipper has a soft streak having helped him overcome his mental anguish during his two-year stint with the Black Cats.

He added: “Any manager will lose his temper if he thinks your not doing your job and giving 100 per cent - he’s not different to Dave Jones.

“People have this perception of Roy being a big, bad guy but he’s got a softer side. He’s shown he can be very compassionate.”