Keane reveals admiration for ‘pro’ Neville

SUNDERLAND manager Roy Keane has underlined the importance of leaders as he welcomes back captain Dean Whitehead for today’s game at Everton and admits he would also love to have Goodison skipper Phil Neville in his ranks.

Keane this week launched a scathing attack on egotistical England players following their humiliating elimination from Euro 2008.

But he was quick to exempt the likes of Neville, and his brother Gary, both England internationals, who played alongside Keane at Manchester United.

Keane said: “Phil is a good pro, like Gary. I’d like a Phil Neville at my club. He trains well, he’s always on time and he looks after himself.

“He has no ego. He has adapted well to leaving United and it was the right decision for Phil. It’s never easy for any player to leave United, but he’s doing very well at Everton.’’

“Do I stay in touch with Phil? I wasn’t that friendly with him. I went to his wedding, that was enough!

“But Phil is a good lad, I’ve got a lot of time for him and his wife – top people – but I’m not one for ringing people.”

Keane has been without versatile midfielder Whitehead for three months with a cruciate knee problem. He could also have striker Andy Cole, 36, available for the first time at senior level after calf trouble, while Dwight Yorke is on the mend following a similar injury.

The Black Cats’ boss said: “Dean was a massive loss to us on a matchday. He has a great chance of being a top, top player for many years to come. He’s quick and he’s strong.

“We’d like him to get a few more goals – if you want to be a top player you’ve got that in your locker. He has not played that many game in the Premier League yet. Clinically, his knee is fine, so he’s got a hell of a chance of playing. He’s a good leader and his ego is fine — I’m stroking him along nicely!”

Keane, whose side will be seeking their first win in eight games, believes Sunderland must learn from the likes of Everton.

And he revealed he turned down the chance to play for them when he spoke to manager David Moyes after leaving United. He said: “They are a club we have to learn from, like Blackburn. I spoke to Mark Hughes after their game at our place and he said that building that squad took them three or four years.

“You pick up little bits from talking to managers. I had a chat with Sam (Allardyce) after the Newcastle game and he was very helpful. I thought I wouldn’t get much out of him, but it was good for me. Hopefully, it will be the same with David. You tend to find the top managers are willing to talk.

“David has built a very good squad at Everton. He has been given time and he’s bought very well. They will be there or thereabouts outside the top four.

“I spoke to them when I left United. It was like with Big Sam (Keane spoke to then-Bolton boss Allardyce) — I decided to go elsewhere. I see clubs in a different light to when I was a player. I was at Everton two or three weeks ago. They have a good history and it’s always a good atmosphere.’’

“They are a very passionate club have a proper football ground. When you look back, they have won some trophies. The club is making great progress.”

Meanwhile, Keane admits he won’t stand in the way of midfielder Graham Kavanagh, who wants first-team football, while Wolves’ former Sunderland and Ireland boss Mick McCarthy is understood to be interested in striker Daryl Murphy.

Kavanagh was on loan at Sheffield Wednesday this season, and Keane said: “He was in talks with a couple of clubs over the last few days about a permanent move, but nothing happened. These players have told me they want to play. One or two came in for Murph, but nothing has happened.”