The unlikely friendship between Jill Scott and Roy Keane has become a heart-warming subplot of the Stick to Football podcast, where the pair regularly appear as guests.
When Scott first met Keane at the Qatar World Cup, she was overawed and nervous but the Manchester United legend has since become a key part of her life, even fixing her chronic problem with time-keeping - a particular bugaboo of Keane's.
She spent two hours "chewing his ear off" about his time as Sunderland manager, despite Keane's reputation for not suffering fools or time-wasters.
"I'm not sure Roy would describe us as friends," Scott said. "I think we get on. I respect him so much, his values, his morals and the way he looks at life," she added.
Roy Keane and Jill Scott have struck up an unlikely friendship on The Overlap
Sky Sports
Their on-screen chemistry is evident as they often tease each other like siblings, frequently seen smirking in each other's direction while gently goading fellow guests.
Scott and Keane's relationship has produced several memorable moments on the podcast, with their comedic exchanges often going viral.
One of the funniest incidents came last year when Scott recounted being tackled by former West Ham and Newcastle striker Marlon Harewood in a charity game.
After Scott told the panel Harewood had "absolutely smashed" her, Keane, with impeccable timing, quipped: "And what was the game like?"
The clip captured Keane's mischievous smile, raised eyebrow and protest that it was merely an innocent question as everyone burst into laughter.
Scott believes there's more to Keane than his gruff public persona suggests.
"He makes you laugh all the time. I actually think he could be a comedian, you know. He's a great guy," she said.
"He's not as grumpy as people think. He's not... he is just passionate about football."
Scott revealed that Keane has had a significant impact on her daily habits, particularly her punctuality.
"He's definitely changed my time-keeping," she explained. "I'm always early now. He is a bit scary in those moments, if you're late."
Jill Scott has admitted Roy Keane has helped solve her time-keeping problem
PA
This represents a major shift for the former England midfielder, who admits she was known for tardiness during her playing career.
"Throughout my career, that was something I was known for, I'd always be a little bit late for training and stuff like that. That is something he has definitely remedied. I'm not late anymore."
Scott also admires Keane's principled approach to life beyond football.
"He's passionate about life. If he sees something that he doesn't like, you know a dog having a poo and the owner not picking it up, he is going to tell you. He wants to put everything right in the world."
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Roy Keane is a popular figure in broadcasting circles
ITVDespite her media career, Scott remains closely connected to the women's game and is optimistic about England's prospects.
"I wasn't worried about the post-World Cup dip," says Scott, who earned 161 caps for England. "I think they are coming out of that."
She believes the Lionesses are well-positioned to defend their European Championship title in Switzerland this July.
"When you are led by someone like Sarina, who is used to tournaments, is used to pressure, the one thing you can guarantee is that we will be the best-prepared team heading into Switzerland."
