Roy Keane has revealed he is two signings away from getting his Sunderland squad exactly the way he wants it as he looks to extend his side's unbeaten start at Birmingham tonight.
Keane has made a major impression in his first year as Black Cats boss and believes he has instilled the sort of winning mentality which is crucial to enjoying a successful Barclays Premier League season.
He said: "When I first got the job at Sunderland there were one or two players who I felt were not really up to the job, or not 100% focused or focusing on a contract at another club.
"But I have got the feeling with the squad I am building here that when the whistle goes they will give 100%. That is no guarantee to win a football match but that is all I am asking.
"There has been no magic wand, no magic formula. We've changed attitude and a lot of little things.
"The players have got nothing to worry about and a good dressing room makes my job a lot easier."
Keane expects to pursue his interest in his former Manchester United team-mate Andy Cole this week, and would also like to make one more signing before the transfer window snaps shut.
Keane added: "Generally speaking, if we could add two players in the next week or two I would be delighted.
"I am very pleased with the players we have got in but I do believe we need two more players to help the squad."
Keane expects to make changes for the trip to St Andrews, where he will renew acquaintances with another former Old Trafford team-mate, Blues boss Steve Bruce.
Saturday's match-winner Michael Chopra has recovered from a dead leg and will challenge for a starting place while Greg Halford is back from a hamstring strain and could also figure.
Keane remains convinced of his side's top-flight credentials and insists his players have absolutely nothing to fear from their illustrious rivals this season.
He added: "This is a massive challenge in all aspects because the Championship is a tough league but the Premier League is a different challenge.
"A lot of it is down to the history of the clubs you are playing against and the squads they have, but the bottom line is it is still 11 against 11. They might have 15 superstars in the stand but they can't play.
"I looked at the Tottenham team on Saturday and I looked at our team and I fancied our chances. Whoever we play against I fancy us and I believe we will get the right result."
He said: "When I first got the job at Sunderland there were one or two players who I felt were not really up to the job, or not 100% focused or focusing on a contract at another club.
"But I have got the feeling with the squad I am building here that when the whistle goes they will give 100%. That is no guarantee to win a football match but that is all I am asking.
"There has been no magic wand, no magic formula. We've changed attitude and a lot of little things.
"The players have got nothing to worry about and a good dressing room makes my job a lot easier."
Keane expects to pursue his interest in his former Manchester United team-mate Andy Cole this week, and would also like to make one more signing before the transfer window snaps shut.
Keane added: "Generally speaking, if we could add two players in the next week or two I would be delighted.
"I am very pleased with the players we have got in but I do believe we need two more players to help the squad."
Keane expects to make changes for the trip to St Andrews, where he will renew acquaintances with another former Old Trafford team-mate, Blues boss Steve Bruce.
Saturday's match-winner Michael Chopra has recovered from a dead leg and will challenge for a starting place while Greg Halford is back from a hamstring strain and could also figure.
Keane remains convinced of his side's top-flight credentials and insists his players have absolutely nothing to fear from their illustrious rivals this season.
He added: "This is a massive challenge in all aspects because the Championship is a tough league but the Premier League is a different challenge.
"A lot of it is down to the history of the clubs you are playing against and the squads they have, but the bottom line is it is still 11 against 11. They might have 15 superstars in the stand but they can't play.
"I looked at the Tottenham team on Saturday and I looked at our team and I fancied our chances. Whoever we play against I fancy us and I believe we will get the right result."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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