Sunderland forward Roy O'Donovan is hoping to show Fulham what they missed out on when they visit the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Irishman seeking to stay in Keane's plans
Sunderland forward Roy O'Donovan is hoping to show Fulham what they missed out on when they visit the Stadium of Light this weekend.
O'Donovan came close to joining Fulham in the summer before Sunderland nipped in to beat the West London side to the Irishman's signature.
The 22-year-old, who made his first start of the season against West Ham last weekend, is determined to keep his place in the side for the clash with Lawrie Sanchez's troops.
Involved
"I really hope that I'm involved this weekend," O'Donovan told The Sunderland Echo.
"It was great to start the game against West Ham at the weekend but obviously the Fulham game has a significance for me and I'd love to help us get a win this Saturday.
"It's funny how things work out in football sometimes. Had Sunderland waited one more day then it's almost certain I would be playing for Fulham now rather than Sunderland.
"They were the main club I was speaking to and I was due to have a medical with a view to signing a contract - Cork City and Fulham had already agreed a fee and it all looked pretty straightforward.
"But then Roy Keane came in for me the day before the medical and things changed."
O'Donovan admitted he felt bad about snubbing Fulham for Sunderland, but conceded once Roy Keane came calling for him there was only one place for him to go.
Disappointing
"I felt bad about disappointing Fulham," added O'Donovan. "But when the gaffer came in for me, I was never going to take much persuading.
"He was my hero has a boy growing up in Cork and once I'd met him it was just a case of where do I sign.
"To be fair to Lawrie Sanchez and Les Reid at Fulham, they were gentlemen when I explained what happened and they didn't make life difficult for me, which I appreciated."
