The Trinidad and Tobago international has been away in the Caribbean this week playing in the friendly international against Guadeloupe.

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And he wasn't expected back on Wearside until late this afternoon.

But his manager says that won't be accepted as any explanation for a below-par performance against the Latics in tomorrow's six-pointer.

Keane said: "Kenwyne wanted to go and I wouldn't want to stop anyone from playing for their country.

"He played the full 90 minutes and I don't think that will be a problem – but I don't care who you are, the travelling can catch up with you.

"But Kenwyne knows the score, we have a very important game this weekend and he knows he better perform for us. He's very much aware of that.

"Having said that though, sometimes when you are away on international duty it can be a benefit to a player.

"I remember when I was at Manchester United, Dwight Yorke used to go away and come back a new man, so hopefully that will be the same with Kenwyne."

Sunderland will need Jones to be at his best as they seek to overturn a Wigan side this weekend which has twice beaten them 3-0 this season.

Jones has not played against the Latics in either game and his battle with Wigan centre-half Titus Bramble could be key tomorrow.

The match is one of great significance in the battle at the bottom of the Premiership, as Keane knows.

He said: "Call it what you will, a must-win game, a six-pointer, the point is it's a very important game for both teams. I think it will be a really tough game but it's one that we are looking foward to.

"Wigan have shown themselves a useful side against us this season. They've beaten us 3-0 in both the games we've played.

"The game down at their place was a strange one, us giving away two penalties and the FA Cup game up here is one that we'd just like to forget. We can't just forget it though, it's there, and it was a bad day for everyone at our club.

"But we have a chance this weekend to make up for that a little and personally I think it will be a completely different game.

"Our home form has been good of late and we'll have another big crowd supporting us.

"So hopefully we'll be able to go out and get the result we're looking for."