Sunderland's board will again discuss Roy Keane's replacement after their crucial fixture with West Brom tomorrow.

The Times says Niall Quinn, the club's chairman, and his fellow board members met at the Stadium of Light for three hours yesterday afternoon to whittle down the 35 candidates who have approached the club, whether directly or through intermediaries, about succeeding Roy Keane, into a more manageable shortlist.

The immediate priority, however, is a vital fixture in their quest to avoid relegation, with Quinn and his colleagues eager to prevent their deliberations from overshadowing the match preparations of Ricky Sbragia, who is overseeing first-team affairs.

There will be no appointment before West Brom's visit, with Sbragia, first-team coach under Keane, again leading the side for his first home match in charge after last weekend's 1-0 defeat away to Manchester United. Keane resigned from his post eight days ago.