Keane's men grabbed a last-minute goal for a second consecutive game as they secured a 2-2 draw at Birmingham to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

The 25-year-old Etuhu has shone in a central role since his summer move from Norwich but admits he cannot afford to take anything for granted with Keane showing plenty of inclination to shuffle his squad.

Etuhu said: "If I said I would be happy with finishing 17th this season I probably wouldn't play again. The gaffer has put it in our minds to aim as high as we can and he has put that belief in us.

"We're all in it together but at the same time you know you cannot afford to mess around or come off the gas. We have got a big enough squad here that we can rotate it as much as we want."

Etuhu played the stunning 75th-minute long ball at St Andrews from which Saturday goal hero Michael Chopra swept a left-foot shot past Colin Doyle to cancel out Paul McShane's unfortunate first-half own goal.

The Blues looked like they had snatched the winner through substitute Garry O'Connor nine minutes from time before former City striker Stern John struck with a point-blank header deep into injury time.

Chopra was one of four players called into the starting line-up by Keane and his magnificent left-foot strike left the visiting fans in no doubt about who their favourite Geordie is these days.

Keane said: "We hope Michael is going to have a very big influence on our club. He has had two chances and scored two goals so if he keeps that up everybody is going to be happy."

However Sunderland's late show came at a price. Wide man Carlos Edwards limped off with a hamstring strain and is highly unlikely to be fit for Saturday's trip to Wigan.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce sought solace in the form of two of his summer signings after once again watching a positive performance yield little reward for his side.

Ivory Coast international Olivier Kapo and O'Connor arrived at St Andrews in the same week in June and both players are already making a major impact.

O'Connor came off the bench to sweep home his goal in style and Bruce said: "Garry has been a bit disappointed not to start with the form he showed over the pre-season. But he has been patient and he took his goal fantastically well."

Kapo, a £3million signing from Juventus, also looks like a fans' favourite for the future and Bruce added: "It is very early but I think it is already there to see what kind of quality he has got.

"He is one of those players who makes it look very easy. I think he will have a big impact on the club. He is looking like money well spent because so far he has been fantastic for us."