Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48,353

Chimbonda rift talk slammed

01 Nov 2008 - 11:59:46

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has rubbished reports suggesting he has fallen out with French defender Pascal Chimbonda.

The former Wigan Athletic and Tottenham full-back was left out of Keane's starting line-up for the defeat at Stoke City, prompting reports to suggest he had been dropped after arriving late for training.

Keane, who brought in Phil Bardsley for the match, insists he is only interested in fielding the strongest team he has at his disposal.

He told Sky Sports News: "Since I've been at the club, every time I've made changes there seems to be stories about Sunderland's disciplinary problems.

"Last year I left three players out. It was alleged they were in a nightclub yet they were in a hotel with us so it's a load of nonsense.

"I have a squad to pick from and Pascal's in the squad for the game against Chelsea.

"I've got absolutely no problems with Pascal. He's a top player. It's unfortunate that every time I leave a player out there seems to be some rumour that they're up to no good and it's not right.

"It's just crazy. People just aren't happy with understanding that I'm using my squad of players.

"There'll be changes again against Chelsea, so next week maybe I'll be asked again if the players I've left out have been late, in nightclubs or strip joints."