Sunderland boss Roy Keane says Birmingham rival Steve Bruce played a big part in his success at Manchester United.

He said: "Brucey was brilliant for me and it's those sort of things you remember in football. Steve and his wife Janet helped me when I came to United as a young lad who was up to no good. With Brucey it was just little things, like going for a drink with him, looking after me for tickets, making sure my family were OK.

"It was stuff which helps a young player going to a massive club like United. Those are things you remember. It is not necessarily about the money or the medals it is about meeting people like Brucey. He was a good character, a good leader and a bloody good captain.

"He also did a lot of stuff away from the pitch making sure everything was well run at the club, from the tickets to the players lounge.

"But do we have a meal riding on the result tonight? No. We are not that close!"