Keane is currently in the southern hemisphere in the role of observer in the All Blacks camp as he completes his UEFA Pro Licence studies.

But having already dispensed with the services of Ian Harte, Stephen Wright, Andy Cole and Stanislav Varga, as well as four youngsters, the Irishman will find some of his fringe players are in demand when he arrives back in this country to prepare the way for another summer spending spree.

Defender Russell Anderson, who has made just two senior appearances for the Black Cats since his £1million switch from Aberdeen last summer, spent part of the season on loan at Coca-Cola Championship Plymouth.

Manager Paul Sturrock was impressed with the 29-year-old and has confirmed he would like the Scot to return to Home Park.

Irish striker Roy O'Donovan too is a wanted man with Dundee United on his trail.

Manager Craig Levein tried to sign the 22-year-old on loan last season, but could not because of UEFA's three club rule - he had already played for Cork City and Sunderland.

Levein is keen to take O'Donovan on loan, but could face competition from a series of Championship clubs.

Keane admitted there would be several further departures after confirming that Hart, Wright, Cole and Varga would not have their contracts renewed at the end of the season.

David Connolly, Graham Kavanagh, Ross Wallace and Liam Miller remain on the transfer list, although Wallace and Miller forced their way back into the side as the campaign drew to a close.

Former Manchester United and Celtic midfielder Miller was listed for persistent lateness, and admitted during the Republic of Ireland's end-of-season training camp in Portugal that all he could do was keep his head down and continue to work his way back into the manager's long-term plans.

Keane has insisted all along that he would not close the door on any of the players who were out of the first-team picture, but with further newcomers expected to start arriving soon, they know they face a battle to catch his eye once again.