Roy Keane was a strong character on the pitch - and he is proving to be an equally strong man in the managerial stakes. He's got a long way to go to emulate his former messiah, Sir Alex Ferguson, but his achievement in dragging Sunderland from the foot of the Championship to the pinnacle already has people sitting up and taking notice.

And what's more, on the surface, Keane has done it without any hint of the ranting and nastiness that pock-marked his playing career. I have witnessed him in managerial action twice this season and a more laid-back and pleasant fellow you couldn't hope to meet.

On both his visits to Preston he scarcely moved from his position leaning against the side of the dug-out and in the post-match press conference he came across in a calm, measured manner with more than a dash of honesty to his comments.

'A halfway finish would not be beyond Sunderland and Keane, given the right signings. And if he is really successful, there is no reason why they shouldn't push on and go for a UEFA Cup place'

Granted, behind the scenes it is probably totally different and there have been several reported incidents highlighting the fact that he still doesn't tolerate fools gladly. None more so than when he told two panic players phoning in to explain why they were late for Keane's appointed meeting time not to bother turning up!

Keane's word is law, then, and he has earned that right to respect by his performances on the football field - never giving an inch and striving for victory with every ounce of energy in his body. That he should expect that from those around him is understandable. What he has to show now is that he has enough compassion and understanding to make allowances for those who are good, but do not quite live up to his high expectations in every way.

He will be put to the test in the Premiership as he deals with more players with equally big characters and reputations. With Sunderland there were perhaps more, shall we say, journeymen players who were in awe of the man and, subsequently, were easier to deal with. Somehow, I can't quite see the likes of Thierry Henry, Michael Ballack and Co treating Keane with the same amount of respect.