Chopra thanks Keane for help

Chopra: Happy to be back

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Michael Chopra admits he is grateful to Sunderland manager Roy Keane for giving him time to resolve his personal problems.

The striker has endured a difficult start to the new season after serving a three-game ban and also visiting the Sporting Chance clinic.

However, he marked his comeback by climbing off the bench to score both goals in Saturday's 2-0 North East derby win over Sunderland.

Chopra dedicated his brace to his son and also thanked his boss for showing understanding during his personal troubles.

"I have been grateful to the manager for giving me time away," said Chopra. "It's been hard for me.

"Funnily enough, when I left the house yesterday to go to the hotel, I said to my little boy, Sebastian, 'I'm going to get a goal for you', and I got two, so he will be happy."

Belief

The former Newcastle United youngster is now determined to push for a starting spot, despite the intense competition for places at the Stadium of Light.

He added: "I believe if I get the chance to score goals, I will put them away because I have got a load of belief in my ability, and with the players the manager has brought in, I am going to get a lot of chances.

"The main thing is to be involved and be out on the pitch in the starting XI.

"He [Keane] has brought some top-class players in and the only way you are going to get better is to learn from them and to play with them.

"I know if want to be part of this football club and part of a team that's going forward and places, I have got to be scoring goals.

"The manager brought me in to score goals and that's the only way I can get into the team."