Sunderland FC

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Keane reveals injury concern

28 Aug 2008 - 08:45:38

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has revealed that Wednesday's 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Nottingham Forest came at a cost after several players picked up injuries.

The Black Cats required extra-time to see off the Championship side after Phil Bardsley's late strike kept the second round tie alive and substitute David Healy netted a 93rd minute winner.

However, Keane lost Kieran Richardson to a training ground injury before the trip to the City Ground and saw Steed Malbranque and Healy pick up knocks.

"It was a cracking cup tie but our performance was not that great. I thought our general play was poor," he told the club's official website.

"I'm pleased with the result. Credit to Forest for making it very hard for us but credit to us, we stuck in there - this time last year we were out of the cup.

"There were pluses and minuses. We can play a lot better but the positive thing is the result, we showed good character. Some of my players left a good impression on me tonight.

"There are a few injuries - one or two lads went down with cramp. Steed has a problem, David Healy got a blow at the end, but you expect a physical challenge, we'll assess the situation tomorrow.

"Djibril (Cisse) had cramp after about 70 minutes. Ideally, we would have not played him for that long.

"You need a big squad. We are two weeks into the season and we are being tested already."