Newcastle United midfielder Nicky Butt admits he could sense that Roy Keane was ready to quit Sunderland.

“I speak to Roy quite a bit and I could tell in his persona he wasn’t happy," said the former Manchester United star.

“If it’s not going right for Roy, he moves on. You have to accept that. That’s the way he is. That’s the way he’s always been. It’s what made him a special player and what will make him a special manager as well.

“He was starting to get questioned and there were things happening behind the scenes he wasn’t happy with.

“I’m sure Keano and Incey will be back. They are hard characters, it won’t phase them and it wouldn’t put me off management. But it might some others.”