Whitehead boost for Keane
17 Sep 2007 - 09:36:55
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- Whitehead boost for Keane
Sunderland have been boosted by the news that skipper Dean Whitehead does not require surgery to correct a knee injury and could be back in action before Christmas.
The 25-year-old had been expected to be sidelined for around six months, but could now be back in less than half that time if things go to plan.
Whitehead told the club's official website: "I was delighted to get some good news.
"I was pencilled in to have surgery, but when my knee was looked at again it was revealed that I don't need it. I could be back in training by November. This is fantastic news for me."
Meanwhile, Black Cats boss Roy Keane has called for patience as his side adjust to life back in the top-flight, despite a promising 2-1 win over Reading at the weekend.
He said after the victory: "Of course, you are ultimately judged on your results, but I am maybe the opposite of that, I always tend to focus first and foremost on the performance.
"That was important, that the players showed that confidence and belief. We have a lot of new players, we have injuries, so we shouldn't be expecting too much, too soon."