Keane: Derby clashes are vital
Roy Keane admits that it seems fated under his management that Sunderland-Derby clashes should be vital for the Wearsiders.
This will be the fourth time the two clubs have faced each other with Keane as Sunderland boss – and each one has proven to be a key match.
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Keane's first game in charge of Sunderland was the away trip to Derby last season when the eyes of the footballing world were focused on his managerial debut.
When the two teams met in the return fixture at the Stadium of Light in February, it proved to be a pivotal game for Sunderland in the promotion campaign.
And earlier this season when the sides met on Wearside, Anthony Stokes' last-minute winner ensured Sunderland would not drop down among the Premier League dead men with Derby.
Keane acknowledged: "It's true that they've all been significant matches and this weekend's game comes into exactly the same category.
"I remember that first game. It just seems like yesterday. It was my first game as manager and there were a few nerves before the game but nerves in a good way because it's good to be taken out of your comfort zone and it was what I wanted.
"It was my first challenge as a manager and there was a big build-up to it. Then in the return game we managed to snatch it at the death with a late Liam Miller header – I suppose that was one occasion when he did arrive on time!
"Now we go down there knowing that we could really do with picking up the three points because at this stage of the season to get an away win would be a massive three points for us, especially with the league being as tight as it is."
Although Derby are on a club record run of 21 games without a win Keane says his side takes nothing for granted.
He said: "Derby gave us a tough game up at our place and we only won it in the last minute. I think they have been a little unlucky this season with some of their results when they've played well enough to get something out of it but it just hasn't gone their way.
"So we need to be at our best tomorrow and my players are very much aware of that. Any team I manage, I expect them to have a go and that was a disappointing aspect of our game against Portsmouth last week.
"I expect my sides to have a go, especially when we go 1-0 down. That didn't happen at Portsmouth but I'm not expecting it to be the same at Derby this weekend."
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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