Keane's men secured their 11th win in 13 unbeaten Championship encounters since the turn of the year with a 2-0 win over Hull, courtesy of goals from Jonny Evans and Stern John.

That was enough to send them into second, level on points with Birmingham but above them due to their superior goal difference.

However, Keane said: "I've not even seen the table. I keep telling you that it doesn't matter where we are now - it's at the end of the season when it counts.

"If we finish second in the table at the end of the season then we'll be delighted.

"But Preston won today and and we're still far from being in pole position.

"However, the players have been fantastic and I can't praise them highly enough.

"We'll enjoy the international break now and the players fully deserve their break.

"They've gone about their job superbly in recent weeks."

Keane's men were always in control against relegation-threatened Hull but they were never allowed to truly settle by a spirited Hull outfit.

Evans, 19 and on loan from Manchester United, headed Sunderland in front in the second minute and John's late finish sealed the points after Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill miscued his clearance.

Northern Ireland international Evans, 19, looks a terrific prospect and seems destined for a future at the highest level.

Keane added: "Jon's got a great chance of being a top player and I spoke to the Manchester United manager about him this week.

"Him and Danny Simpson (also on loan from United) were superb again and they've fitted in really well off the pitch as well.

"But the good thing about the coming weeks is that we've got players to come back, so we should get stronger."

Sunderland should have put the game out of sight by half-time, although battling Hull showed more than enough of the qualities required to beat the drop.

Indeed, Tigers boss Phil Brown, a lifelong Sunderland fan, could hardly have asked more from his players.

Brown said: "I'm still very confident we'll survive. We showed plenty of endeavour, spirit and passion.

"We just lacked quality in front of goal but if we keep playing like that then we'll be fine."

It was a surreal day for Brown, who was in no doubt about where his allegiances now lie.

"Being a Sunderland fan it was a very strange day but Hull City pay my wages and all my family were in the away end with Hull scarves on," he said.

"My loyalties are with Hull now, although I do think Sunderland have a great chance of going up automatically, and if not then they'll be favourites for the play-offs."