Sunderland youngster David Meyler has credited Roy Keane for his call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad.

"He told me to work hard, to go box-to-box and never give up the fight," ex-Cork City midfielder Meyler told The Evening Echo. "He said to tackle like a tiger and try to score goals from midfield. That's basically what he did himself and he made a great career out of it."

Meyler added: "Roy's moved on and it was a sad day for the club but I suppose I have moved on myself in my career and that's the way it is in football.

"I have thanked Roy and I have said my piece but we both know we have to keep plugging away to make a success of it."