Keane won't rush new deal

Keane: Relaxed over future

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Sunderland boss Roy Keane insists resolving his long-term future at the Stadium of Light is not a priority.

Keane is in the final 12 months of his contract on Wearside, having taken management in his stride during the past two years.

He has held brief talks regarding a new deal, but is in no rush to reach an agreement as he looks to establish Sunderland in the Premier League.

"There have been one or two discussions, but my contract situation is not really important this time," said Keane.

"The priority is bringing players in and building the team.

Relaxed

"When the club find a time to speak to Michael (Kennedy, Keane's lawyer) we'll see what happens.

"But we're all so relaxed about it it's untrue. I've got a year left, but a year is a hell of a long time in football."

The Black Cats drew 1-1 at Wigan Athletic on Saturday, just over a year after losing 3-0 at the JJB Stadium in the top flight.

Keane is happy to note the improvement his team have made over the past 12 months and expects his players to continue on an upward curve.

He added: "The great teams have got a bit of steel in them. We got turned over here last year and we needed to be stronger than that. That will come from good players and good characters.

"I maybe felt we were a soft touch. Certainly that's something we need to improve and I'm working on it. It will take time. We're not a team yet. That will come in the next few weeks and months."