Graeme Souness has spoken of his growing fondness for former Manchester United captain Roy Keane and says they are like "two peas from the same pod".
Just like their no-nonsense approach on the pitch, Souness and Keane have forged formidable reputations as straight-talking pundits on Sky Sports.
Ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane has particularly gone down well with fans with his razor sharp tongue and ice-cold analysis.
The 50-year-old has gone from chopping down opponents to dismantling egos and reputations with his brutally honest takedowns, but away from the camera Souness says Keane is "a very funny man".
The Liverpool legend told Belfast Live: "I didn't know Roy before. I had met him briefly but never really knew him.
"He is extremely funny off camera, which people don't get to see.
"And I think we are like two peas from the same pod, and we have the same views on football."
Souness added: "If you look at the people he learned off, from Clough to Fergie. And I had my Liverpool connections and people like Fergie, Jock Stein - all those guys has very similar thought processes.
"When I met Roy I didn't know what to expect, but I enjoy his company very much.
"Off camera, especially. He is a very funny man."
Fans will get to see Souness up close when he hosts 'An Evening With...' next year in Belfast.
He will be joined by Rangers idols Mark Hateley and Jimmy Nicholl for a special talk show at the Waterfront Hall on March 5.
Souness played for and managed both Rangers and Liverpool during a stellar career.
During his time at Anfield he won countless trophies including five English Division One titles and four European Cups. He was also the European Cup Golden Boot winner in 1980-81.
In Scotland he won the title once as player and three times as manager of Rangers, while he also lifted the Coppa Italia during his time in Italy with Sampdoria.
"I enjoy talking about football. Not as much about my own career, it is not about my career. It is about my time in football which involves other people," Souness added.
"I like being around football people, and I think that's true about all players. And that involves teammates, and in my case players who played for me."
He added: "What I enjoy is being around players and old teammates. Someone asked me recently do I speak to old teammates quite a bit. The answer is no, historically. But as you get older you find yourself staying in touch.
"Unfortunately people have ill health and die. I lost two this year in Michael Robinson and Ray Kennedy.
"I just like being around football people, and as you get older you enjoy it more. Old boys like to tell stories and exaggerate."
Graeme Souness was speaking ahead of 'An Evening with Graeme Souness and Friends' which is taking place at Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Saturday, March 5, 2022. On the night Graeme will be joined by Mark Hateley and Jimmy Nicholl. Tickets are on sale now from the link HERE
