Keane plays down Yorke quotes

Roy Keane has stressed that Dwight Yorke is happy to be joining Sunderland.

The Trinidad & Tobago international, who sealed a switch to The Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day, has declared that he was 'gutted' at not receiving a contract offer from Sydney FC.

However, Keane is not concerned by the remarks as he believes Yorke is very much looking forward to the challenge ahead at Sunderland.

"The quotes (in Sydney) were taken out of context. From the time I spoke to Dwight everything has been positive," Keane insisted.

"It's the way they want to spin things.

"I'm sure he was very happy in Sydney, he enjoyed it, of course he did, but he wanted to come back here for a new challenge and it's credit to Sunderland that we have signed him.

"I know for a fact that he has had one or two offers over the summer, it's great that he is here."

Keane has wasted no time in bringing in fresh faces, with six players arriving since he took up the reins less than two weeks ago.

And the former Manchester United midfielder believes the new additions will revitalise the squad and inspire everyone to raise their game.

"It's not just about what players bring to the pitch and the training pitch. It's about the dressing room as well," he explained.

"Dwight's a character, let me tell you, and that is what you need. It's not just that Dwight Yorke will help, the others (new signings) will too.

"You've got to have a good dressing room - a bubbly, happy dressing room. Results have not been great and hopefully one or two of the new lads will lift the other players.

"I know from my experience as a player that when one or two new players arrive, especially characters like Dwight Yorke, it only benefits everyone."

Yorke is expected to arrive on Wearside by the weekend but he will play no part in Saturday's mach against Derby.