Sunderland Football Club News

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

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

Keane to keep Kavanagh

19 Sep 2007 - 14:02:26

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane has all but ruled out a loan move away from the club for Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh.

The 33-year-old is barely back to full fitness after a long-term knee injury, but Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United have been linked with approaches for Kavanagh's services.

However, Keane told the club's official website: "Kav is part of my plans.

"The downside for him is that he's coming back from a long-term injury and that he plays in the middle of the park, one of our strongest positions.

"He has just fallen behind. When you've been out for that length of time, you do need games. He's played the last few reserve games and he's played very well.

"He'll be looking to get 90 minutes tonight (against Manchester City). It will do Kav the world of good, we all know what a good player he is."

Kavanagh joined the Black Cats just over a year ago for £500,000 from Wigan Athletic, but has been restricted to 14 appearances for the Wearsiders and has not featured since last December.