Bardsley relishes chance

Player ready for Black Cats chance

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 23rd January 2008

RIVALS_NET 71597776 Phil Bardsley

Bardsley: Keane chance

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New Sunderland signing Phil Bardsley has revealed he joined the club because he has longed for the opportunity to play under the guidance of manager Roy Keane.

The 22-year-old defender switched from Manchester United on Tuesday when former Old Trafford legend Keane showed an interest in him for the second time in a year.

Bardsley, who witnessed Keane during his playing days at United, believes the boss will get the best out of him as a player and he had no doubts in accepting his offer to move to the Stadium of Light.

Best

"I wanted to play in the Premier League and I have always wanted to have the chance of having Roy Keane as my manager. It's a great chance for me," Bardsley said.

"As a player at Man United , he always got the best out of you, no matter whether it was training, games, everything.

"I am sure he can get the best out of me as a manager. He's got a reputation as a winner, that's the kind of person he is.

"I just look forward to being part of that and I want to win stuff."

Bardsley is the Black Cats' third January signing following loanee Jonny Evans and Jean-Yves Mvoto after he penned a three-and-a-half year deal that could eventually amount to £2million.

He has previously played alongside fellow Sunderland team-mates Paul McShane and Kieran Richardson, who also appeared in the United side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2003.

Place

Now Bardsley is ready to fight for a regular first team place at Sunderland having learnt his trade, as so many of Keane's signings have, under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He has been signed as a right-back, a position which has caused Keane somewhat of a headache during his time in charge on Wearside.

"I played in a couple of Champions League games and a couple of Premier League games, but sometimes you need more than that," he added.

"When I had chances to go out on loan to Rangers, Villa and Sheffield United, it was a great chance for me to go and play every week.

"I am just looking to prove myself, really, and to be a valuable member of the squad.

"I would hope I have got a job to do at right-back, but we have got a big squad, so everyone's looking to cement their place in the team."