Keane is much calmer in managerial role, says Yorke

DWIGHT YORKE has seen a “much calmer” Roy Keane since the Republic of Ireland icon took the managerial plunge with Sunderland.

Keane is said to give his players the “hair-dryer” treatment when his temper snaps in the dressing room. But he used the cool approach to coax the best out of the Republic’s Liam Lawrence in Sunderland’s 2-0 home win over Barnsley on Saturday.

Winger Lawrence, a target for the Wearside boo-boys, helped set up Dean Whitehead’s opener, before Chris Brown struck as the Black Cats launched a decisive late onslaught.

Keane said: “You have to earn the right to win any match, whether it be against Barnsley or Barcelona. I thought the fans were getting a bit edgy with Liam, but I spoke to him at half-time and he helped produce something with Nyron Nosworthy for the first goal. We showed patience and perseverance and it’s a big boost for me as a manager to see the players have that.

“It’s been a difficult few days after losing at Preston and Stoke, but what we needed more than anything was perseverance. All the top sports people in the world keep stepping up to the plate. That’s what I’ve asked the players to do and ‘Lennie’ Lawrence and Nosworthy were great examples of that.”

Yorke, Keane’s former Manchester United team-mate, operated in midfield and took on the captaincy when Ireland defender Kenny Cunningham came off at half-time with a medial ligament injury.

Yorke, aged 34, said: “I see myself as a leading figure in the team. My guiding lights were Paul McGrath, Gordon Cowans and David Platt when I played at Aston Villa. Of course, I played with the gaffer at United. Now, it’s vitally important I pass on my experience to the younger players.

“The gaffer can’t do that on the pitch anymore. I think he can, but he won’t do it. It was very strange at first calling him gaffer when I was used to skipper and Keano.

“He’s still finding his feet. It’s a new job and he’s working overtime to get it right. The kind of character he is, he expects great things of his team. As soon as all the players realise that, I’m sure we’ll benefit. He’s much calmer. I’ve been very impressed with the way he has handled things.”