McShane joined the Black Cats for an initial £1.5million from West Brom.
Keane said: “You saw out there what I brought Paul McShane to the club for – plenty of commitment and a few tackles. There was a great block in the second half.
“His fitness levels are very good. I’ll look to rest Paul on Monday (against Cork), I want to give Russell (Anderson) and Danny Collins a run-out.”
