Sunderland manager Roy Keane returned to Ireland to play his first club side Cobh with his Premier league stars.
Sunderland won the friendly fixture 4-0 with Murphy and O`Donovan bagging a goal a piece and Stokes getting a brace.
After an emotional return Keane told safc.com “It`s always nice to come back, I was back here a few years ago with United; we enjoyed the game tonight.”
“It was a good workout. My lads have come through unscathed – the priority for me is that we avoid any injuries.”
“When you play League of Ireland teams they don’t give you a minute’s peace. Cobh had a game the other night, we appreciate that, but they gave it a go. I like coming here, it’s always a test.”
“The Irish mentality is that you always want to do well against the English, that’s great, there were a few tackles flying in and we were pleased with the game.”
“I thought the young lads came on and did very well in the second half. I’m generally happy with the night’s work.”
“Things are going fine in pre-season, I’m pleased with our progress; but you never know until the first game.”
“They are good players who have both played regularly in the Premier League, they will handle it here no problem.”
“I’m a great believer in competition for places and they will certainly bring that. Any player you buy, you never know, but hopefully these players will plug into our dressing room and enjoy playing for Sunderland.”
“I said we needed six of seven new faces, ones who have played at a good level in the Premier League and we’re doing that, hopefully there will be one or two more in the next few days.”
“I would expect news about the other two players in the next 24 hours, one way or the other, whether they are coming or not. We are very hopeful but we appreciate it’s a big decision for them.”
“As far as I’m aware, we’re the only club to agree a fee with Tottenham for these players. If they don’t come, life goes on.”
“It was good for Roy, Stokesy and Murphy, strikers want goals but the priority is that players get minutes under their belt.”
“With the players we have brought in and the players we want, we don’t want to be giving the fans too much to worry about, we want to move on to the next level.”
“I feel we are a stronger and better club going into the Premier League.”
‘The fans have the same expectation as myself. We’ve made progress, not just with the first team – you saw the young lads who came on tonight – but right through the club.”
Vital Sunderland Says
It`s nice to see Keane starting to lose patience with the Spurs duo. They have to either sign or not bother its no good to Sunderland them holding out for another club.
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