Dickson Etuhu says his Sunderland manager Roy Keane could still be competing in the Premiership.

Reflecting on bounce games involving the gaffer, Etuhu said: "You don't really want to be in his team because if you are, he canes you all the time.

"He never stops ordering you about, shouting, talking, encouraging. But if you are playing against him, you know you're in for a hard game.

"I haven't seen anyone try to nail him yet. Would you? The secret is to learn from him, close him down and just try to get the ball."

It comes as no surprise, despite the dodgy hip which ended his playing days at Celtic, that Keane's performances among his younger players are still Premier League class.

Etuhu added: "He still shows he is great. He absolutely controls the whole midfield and, if he could get himself fit, he could still do a job. But he is looking at the other side of football now.

"He still runs it, still appeals for every throw-in, every foul, every yellow card. He lets the ball go at the perfect time, every time, just before you get there.

"It's just great to see him being involved and you just can't help but learn from him."