Keane: Stokes ‘different class’ in Black Cats win

STEVE STAUNTON spent Saturday at the Hawthorns to track the youthful talent of Irish duo Anthony Stokes and Paul McShane.

Stokes’ prolific scoring record in Scotland bought him to Staunton’s attention and the West Brom defenders never-say-die attitude at the centre of Ireland’s defence has given McShane early hero status with some Irish fans.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane admitted he was very pleased with Stokes’ performance.