Sunderland boss Roy Keane has dismissed reports of a rift with chairman Niall Quinn over delays in agreeing a new contract.

He said: "The likes of Newcastle and Tottenham are run in different ways. But that was one of the reasons I came to the club, I knew I would be left alone.

"I don't think we are in position to be flippant. We just focus on ourselves, quietly getting on with the job. But we're nowhere near what we want to achieve.

"I spoke with Niall last Saturday - everything's fine. Jesus, if we're at loggerheads, God help other clubs."