"He [Keane] was a world-class player, in my opinion. Luckily enough for me, I got to play with him once or twice at Manchester United and it was a pleasure to play alongside him. He was a great player and I am sure he is going to take that into management. I was just very happy when the move came about. I just have to get my head down in training, work hard and hopefully give the manager here a problem so he cannot leave me out of the side.''
"It was very frustrating. I was part of a massive club at Manchester United and I wasn't playing. I need to be playing regularly. Sunderland came in with a chance for me to fight for a place in the team, so I jumped at the chance. I am very happy to be here and training and just to fight for my place in the team. When I got the phone call, my decision was pretty much made there and then, to be totally honest. I was training with the international team, and they were very good to let me come over and speak to Sunderland, and it was done and dusted within a couple of hours."