Keane’s two ‘untouchables’

May 9 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

HE might be planning a summer clear-out but Roy Keane has warned would-be suitors that two of his players are “untouchable”.

The Black Cats began thinning out his Sunderland squad by releasing five players and more will follow after Keane decided many are either not committed or talented enough to be part of his Premier League plans. Keane will sit down with chairman Niall Quinn next week to discuss his budget for what he hopes will be a couple of months of hefty spending but even if he is disappointed by his war chest he refuses to consider selling Kenwyne Jones or Craig Gordon to supplement it. The news will disappoint Liverpool, who are reportedly preparing a bid for striker Jones, although Keane admitted if they do come calling, he may find it hard to keep a player signed for £6m in August. “Kenwyne is a player we have

no intention of letting go,” Keane warned. “When you look at Kenwyne and our goalkeeper, there are certain players you think are definitely going nowhere. There are certain players who are untouchable.

“Sometimes clubs might think they’ll take £20m or £30m and invest it and it’s a good deal for everybody, but it certainly wouldn’t be a good deal for us to let Kenwyne or our goalkeeper go. They are no-gos, because it would set us back a hell of a lot of time, even if we got crazy money for them.

“Kenwyne and Craig are on long-term contracts. I’m contradicting myself, but contracts sometimes mean very little. If a player makes it clear like he wants to go to a club like Chelsea, you have to be realistic and admit it’s hard to stand in their way. But you do everything you can.” Scotland international Gordon was Sunderland’s record signing when he joined from Hearts on the eve of the season for up to £9m.

“He’s a brilliant goalkeeper,” said Keane. “This year he’s done okay for us, but I’ve no doubt in the next few years he will become one of the best in world, if not the best. What he’s lacking is experience, particularly in the Premiership. Our players have so much to learn, but the good thing is Craig and Kenwyne want to learn, I’m not sure some of the others want that too much.”

Jones has expressed his wish to stay at the Stadium of Light for some time, however. “It’s flattering clubs are interested but at the moment I can’t say anything,” he said. “I’m focused on my job here. You don’t want to be a gypsy-type player where you’re moving from one place to another and not settling. Hopefully I’ll be here for a long time.”

This week Keane told Stanislav Varga, Andy Cole, Ian Harte, Stephen Wright and Peter Hartley their Sunderland careers would end with their contracts this summer. While praising the quintet, the Irishman left the door open for another whose deal is about to expire – Dwight Yorke – to return. “The players we’re letting go like Ian Harte and big Stan Varga, they’ve all contributed to the football club and we’re grateful,” said Keane yesterday. “They’ve been really good professionals. I’ve seen another side to players who’ve left a very good impression on me as human beings.

“I’ve had a chat with Yorkie, I’ll be having another one next week. He’s got one or two choices to make in the next week. But there’s no deadline.”

Meanwhile, David Connolly will be ruled out for three to four months after a hip operation this week. The striker could therefore be part of the Black Cats squad next season, despite not having featured in a league game since September.