Black quiet on Keane talk

Sunderland have refused to confirm reports that Manchester United legend Roy Keane is poised to become their new manager.

Speculation linking Keane, 35, with the Stadium of Light job began less than 24 hours after Sunderland slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Bury in the first round of the Carling Cup.

That was a result which came on the back of four straight league losses.

Niall Quinn, the chairman-manager, decided to relinquish all coaching duties after the Gigg Lane shock and announced his intention to appoint a “world-class” new boss.

Keane has no prior management experience, which makes him raw to the job rather than of established pedigree, however he enjoyed enormous success during his playing career.

He was also a Republic of Ireland team-mate of former striker Quinn.

The 35-year-old Keane retired as a player in June, after a short spell with Celtic during which he helped the Bhoys win the Bank of Scotland Premier League and Scottish League Cup.

He ended a 12-year association with United in November 2005, barely a fortnight after his blunt assessment of the 4-1 Premiership humiliation at Middlesbrough was pulled from the MUTV schedules.

According to Sky Sports, Keane has yet to sign for Sunderland, however the Coca-Cola Championship club have opted not to comment, as has the former player’s representative Olan Kelleher.