Former Sunderland defender Clive Clarke insists he has no problems with manager Roy Keane.

Clarke left Wearside last week after his contract was terminated on medical grounds following his heart attack while on loan at Leicester.

The defender was critical of Keane's management style prior to his departure, but the Republic of Ireland international says he has had no bust-up with the Black Cats chief.

"It is fine [the relationship with Keane] it is just something that got blown out of proportion," Clarke told Sky Sports News.

"I suppose because he is so high-profile people are trying to pick up things all the time.

"I have got no problem with Roy Keane or Sunderland. I have left the club now and I wish them all the best for the future."

Clarke believes his old club have a great chance of staying up after finding a rich vein of form.

He added: "It is very difficult to come up from the Championship and they found it a bit sticky at first, but the last few games, at home especially, they have turned the corner and put themselves in a great position to stay up.

"Once you stay up they can rebuild in the summer again and add a couple of quality of players to a good young squad and I think the future is bright for them."