Keane: Kavanaugh has future at Sunderland

Keane told the club’s official website : “Kav is part of my plans. The downside for him is that he is 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 have been out for that length of period, 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.

“It will do Kav the world of good. We all know what a good player he is.”