Keane happy to leave it late

Roy Keane is making no apologies for Sunderland’s late heroics this season.

On six occasions during their first campaign back in the Barclays Premier League, the Black Cats have struck inside the final five minutes of games - often to good effect.

Anthony Stokes came off the bench in their last home match against Derby to snatch all three points in the third minute of injury time and repeat Michael Chopra’s opening-day feat against Tottenham.

In addition, Stern John’s late equaliser at Birmingham, Liam Miller’s strike at Middlesbrough and Kenwyne Jones’ leveller at home to Fulham have all come at the death, as did Grant Leadbitter’s consolation strike in the defeat at Blackburn.

Keane would happily settle for another late show when Aston Villa arrive on Wearside tomorrow.

He said: “It seems to be a quirk at our football club at the moment – but let me tell you, I wasn’t complaining the other week when we scored in the 93rd minute. Better late than never.

“But that goes to show the challenge of playing in the Premier League. You ask any manager, and it would be nice to score two goals in the first five or 10 minutes. But that has certainly not been the case.

“I have been delighted with the late goals since I have come to the club. It has not just been this season – they have won us an awful lot of points, and I hope that will continue.

“But in an ideal world, it would be nice to score a couple of goals in the first half of a game.”

With five of those last-gasp efforts having secured nine of their 13 points to date, Sunderland’s ability to fight to the death has proved invaluable and increased Keane’s belief that they can yet make their mark in the top flight.

He said: “Better late than never. Credit to the players for that – it is no coincidence we have scored so many late goals.

“We did that as well last season – and that is credit to the players for good fitness levels, good desire and good determination to never give up. When I know that as a manager, it gives me great hope for the future.”

However, the fact remains that the victory over rock-bottom Derby is Sunderland’s only win in 10 attempts – and that is a situation Keane will hope to address as a matter of urgency.

He freely admits his side is on a steep learning curve but is confident their education is continuing apace.

But while he adopted a less open approach for the trip to Chelsea last weekend, which his side lost 2-0, he will not sacrifice his ideals.

Keane said: “I do want Sunderland to be a good team to watch – but ultimately as well, we want the results to go with that.”

Miller, dismissed at Chelsea, will begin his three-match ban tomorrow.