Keane: it’s a coincidence that the players I’ve signed are Irish

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane was in a relaxed mood at Gannon Park in Malahide yesterday as his players began preparations for the three-match pre-season tour of Ireland, kicking off tonight against Bohemians at a sell-out Dalymount Park.

“We’ve had three days of hard training in Portugal and now the players are looking forward to these three games. They know there is a battle on for places. Then they have to show me what they can do in the matches against Cork City on Monday and Galway United on Wednesday.”

Keane is convinced that the signing of Irish international defender Paul McShane from West Brom for £2.5million (€3.71m) will be a real boost for the Black Cats in their first season back in the Premiership.