Keane: Stokes ‘different class’ in Black Cats win
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.
“Stokesey was a different class today,” explained Keane. “He’s an outlet, he’s a threat, he’s obviously naive, but he’s 18 years of age we were all naive at that age, whether it is on or off the pitch.
“I still think he needs a few more games under his belt before we see the best of him,” said Keane of his £2m (€2.8m) star.
“He’s a great outlet for us, he can beat a man and he was trying things on the edge of the box when other players would try and keep it — we can’t take it away from him.
“That’s what makes him a good player but he’s 18 years of age and people need to remember him for that.”
Keane dismissed reports that he fell out with Stokes when he recently turned up late for training but it is obvious Keane won’t tolerate future poor time-keeping.
“Give it your all and be on time for training, that’s all I ask from my players,” said Keane.
Keane also believes Dwight Yorke has added the experience and quality Sunderland required to mount their promotion push.
“I thought Dwight would add a bit of quality, a bit of experience, a calm head, be good for the dressing room, and he’s done all these things,” said Keane.
“He’s never been the quickest but he’s quick with his brain.”
The 2-1 victory moved Sunderland closer to the automatic promotion places with Birmingham moving top following yesterday’s win over Cardiff courtesy of Sebastian Larsson’s winner at a rain-soaked St Andrews.
Steve Bruce’s men leapfrog Derby, who thrashed Colchester on Friday evening.
Wolves remain in the hunt for automatic promotion, although they made hard work of their 3-2 win at Luton.
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