‘Enjoy it!’ is Keane’s call as black cats stalk a place in the play-offs

SUNDERLAND midfielder Grant Leadbitter has revealed Roy Keane’s new motto: “Enjoy yourself.’

Keane may have been an ultra-serious competitor in his playing days with Ireland and Manchester United, but the Black Cats’ boss seems to be taking a more laid-back approach to management.

“The gaffer tells you to go out and enjoy the game and if you do you’ll play well,” according to Leadbitter.

“Every day in training, he tries to make sure we enjoy ourselves. I love coming into training at the moment,” he added.

“You’re always in awe of him because of the kind of person he is, but he gives you confidence to go out and enjoy your football.

“He was new to management when he came, so I didn’t know what to expect, but he’s done well.”

Leadbitter is rapidly becoming something of a Keane protégé as Sunderland push for a Championship play-off spot.

Tough-tackling Leadbitter is providing valuable goals from midfield — he scored his fourth this season in the St. Stephen’s Day 2-0 home win over Leeds, as Keane’s side narrowed the gap to sixth place to just three points.

And the Wearsider, who celebrates his 21st birthday next month, has kept the likes of Ireland’s Graham Kavanagh out of the side.

But Leadbitter stressed: “Kav’s been terrific with me. He gives you advice and if there’s anything that needs to be said, Kav usually says it.”

“He’s a good character to have around the dressing room, like Dwight Yorke.”

Keane, meanwhile, says he will stay on the touchline during games until he really gets to know his side.

“Before I took over, I watched the West Brom game from the stand, but since I’ve been manager I’ve watched every match from pitch level.

“I’m still getting a feel for everything, but it’s just a matter of time until I decide to possibly watch the first half of a game from the stand and see things from that vantage point,” Keane added, “I think players like the manager being down at pitch level.”