Sunderland boss Roy Keane admits he should have played the kids for this week's disappointing Carling Cup victory over Northampton.

"I should have played one or two younger players. They'd have done themselves no harm, but we brought in international players," said Keane. "One or two came to see me last week saying: 'I need to play games'.

"Well, there you go: 'Have a game at the stadium in front of our fans. Show me something'.

"I don't think they'll be coming to see me this week.

"Certain players were given a chance and they threw it back in my face. There are big question marks over lots of people at the moment."