The Irishman resigned in December with the Black Cats languishing in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone and was replaced by Ricky Sbragia.

Keane had led Sunderland to promotion to the top flight in 2007 and Quinn feels some in the city remain upset he is no longer at the club.

"We miss Roy," Quinn told BBC Radio Five Live.

"People here are still grieving that Roy is no longer here. The game is a shallower, lesser place - the Premier League especially - without him and I do think he will be back.

"Roy Keane in his pomp here - there was nothing better. He won the Championship and got in to the Premier League and for that he will always go down in folklore up here.

"You will hear nothing but good things from people in Sunderland about Roy Keane.

"I feel he will put his experience here at Sunderland to good use."

Quinn also admits he is risking his reputation as a chairman by slashing season ticket prices at the Stadium of Light.

The former striker hopes the measure will ensure fans do not get priced out of going to games, claiming big crowds are more important than raking in as much money as possible.

"It is a risk. We have taken that choice for the team and supporters of the team and (have chosen) full houses as opposed to maintaining income levels. But I will stake my reputation on it."