ROY Keane has labelled Nyron Nosworthy a warrior' after the centre-back played through the pain barrier to keep Aston Villa's attacking threat to a minimum at Villa Park on Saturday.

Nosworthy appeared certain to be taken off after suffering an apparent dead leg with 20 minutes remaining, but with no defensive options on the bench he battled on and continued to make challenge after challenge.

The defensive performance of the player, whose tackling statistics are among the best in the Premier League, was key to Sunderland winning their first away game of the campaign.

"I thought Nyron Nosworthy was outstanding - he was a warrior,"

said Keane. "The defence got turned once or twice which was perhaps inexperience coming through but they got away with it and potentially rode their luck.

"Nyron took a few knocks but that is good - if you get through a Premier League game without a knock then there is something wrong with you.

"There were ice packs on plenty of my players' legs but I get worried when I don't see ice on their legs. They should be getting knocks.

"We've got a decent group and it was far from doom and gloom in the dressing room after the game."

Despite the euphoria following the away win, Keane insisted he has no fears his players will get too carried away. With just four points separating Sunderland from the bottom three the manager simply won't let them.

"I think it will be very easy to keep the players' feet on the ground. We've won one away from home - if that is something to get carried away with then we're all in trouble," said Keane.

"I have great faith in the players - I work with them every day.

Even at training on Friday I looked at them and thought They're a good strong unit'.

There is no problem with any of the players - they're focused.

"It wasn't as if the away win hadn't looked like coming. I can think of seven or eight games where we've done enough to win, but then one mistake has cost us - whether that is at Derby the other week or Portsmouth where we just haven't got over the finishing line.

"We just haven't been able to do it - it hasn't been like we've been battered."

Keane also praised three of the players left out against Chelsea - Kieran Richardson, Michael Chopra and Daryl Murphy - who were instrumental on Saturday.

The manager said they had lost a bit of edge in training which is why they were left out and he was impressed with their response.

"I left three players out last week but they've all come back in and contributed," said Keane.

"Michael got the goal, Daryl was outstanding and Kieran got another game under his belt.

"We've got a decent squad, I have to say. I am fortunate in that they're all getting fit at the right time. I had to leave one or two behind but for next Saturday I've got a tough, tough selection problem.

But it's nice because I haven't had that problem since I've become manager, and certainly not since we got into the Premier League.

"Trust me - I prefer those problems than having a shortage of players. Maybe that's why we've seen a sharper performance from one or two because they're fighting for their places. You can't beat that at a football club - it's priceless."

One player who appears certain to slip through Keane's grasp, however, is Jonny Evans.

The 20-year-old is proving a success in his second loan at the Stadium of Light forming a formidable defensive pairing with Nosworthy.

Keane was hoping to push through a £2m deal at the end of the season but Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson wants him back.

Ferguson said: "They're gaining valuable experience as well as doing a good job for their clubs but they're coming back.

"They will get the chance to prove they have a future here."

10:50am Monday 24th March 2008

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