Keane tells young stars: work hard and you’ll get your chance

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane has promised the club’s emerging stars they will get their chance in the first team if they keep working hard.

The Irishman was at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night to see the Black Cats’ talented teens dump holders Liverpool out of the FA Youth Cup and claim a quarter-final berth.

Striker Martyn Waghorn, who made his senior debut as a 17-year-old against Manchester United on St Stephen’s Day, scored twice in a 5-3 extra-time victory in front of his delighted manager.

Now Keane, who played alongside Manchester United’s legendary Academy graduates Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, has told Waghorn’s team-mates they can follow in his footsteps if they continue their progress.

He said: “It’s a good crop, we are very happy with them. One or two of them have a chance with the first team — especially next year when you will be allowed seven substitutes.

“Some of the lads who played (last night) will be involved next year, and it is a great incentive for them.

“They know I am at the games and they must feel that if they keep improving, they will get a chance — they have seen Martyn Waghorn come through and get a chance.

“This club believes in the kids and if I feel they are good enough, they will be thrown in. It does not matter what age they are.”

Sunderland will face either Charlton or Swindon in the last eight, and Keane has challenged them to go on and win the trophy.

“Liverpool knocked out Arsenal in and they (Arsenal) were apparently clear favourites to win it.

“You would like to think we can win it now. It’s the quarter-final and the players will think they are in with a chance — and why not?