Edwards: Keane fan

Related links

Teams

• Sunderland

Players

• Carlos Edwards

Also see

• Sunderland fixtures
• Sunderland stats
• Sunderland forum

Carlos Edwards is desperate to establish himself as part of Roy Keane's first-team plans at Sunderland.

The Trinidad and Tobago international moved to the Stadium of Light in January 2007 and has been mightily impressed by how quickly his manager has adapted to life away from the field.

The former Manchester United midfielder guided the Black Cats to promotion in his first season at the club, before securing their place in the Premier League with a 15th place finish during the 2007/08 campaign.

Edwards was unable to play a starring role during the club's return to the top flight due to a succession of frustrating injuries, but has already set his sights on becoming a firm fixture in the manager's plans next year.

"I love playing for him, he's going to pick his best team week-in week-out and I want to be there and part of his long-term plans," said the winger.

Influence

"He's been a big influence on myself and the club. Sunderland is a big club and we want bigger and better things, Roy Keane has been there and done before in terms of winning a lot. Losing is not in his nature, and he's instilling it in the players.

"Hopefully next season we can get our heads down and do well."

Having proven his managerial ability over the last two seasons Keane would expect to draw admiring glances form elsewhere, however, Edwards is hoping that the Irishman will remain at the Stadium of Light for some time yet.

"He's a young, up-and-coming, inspiring manager which I think most clubs will want," he said.

"Perhaps he is one of the last sorts of managers who will be around for a while.

"It's no surprise that he's been linked with other clubs and let's hope Sunderland can keep him for as long as possible."

Rollercoaster

With Keane unlikely to depart for pastures new over the summer Edwards has also revealed his intention to ensure that the manager does not suffer his first taste of relegation next season.

"It was great to stay up but for me personally the season was a bit of a rollercoaster," he added.

"Injuries do happen in football and unfortunately for me I was unlucky at the start after there was big expectation on my head from Sunderland supporters.

"They were looking forward to me being one of the top players but that wasn't to be last season.

"I've put that season behind me and am looking forward to the start of next season.

"I want to help Sunderland do it again. We all know, and the players who come in will know, what the Premier League is about.

"It's not going to be easy, we know that, but the first taste of the Premier League for players like myself was a great experience and hopefully we can do better next season."