Chopra ban hits Keane’s forward thinking

ROY KEANE has been plunged into a striker crisis ahead of Sunderland’s season opener against Liverpool on Saturday after Michael Chopra was hit with a three-match ban.

Manager Keane yesterday confirmed the forward’s suspension for his sending-off for a mistimed tackle in the pre-season game with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Keane was banished to the stand for his protests, but referee Bruno Paixao has taken no further action against the Black Cats boss.