Russell Anderson admits Roy Keane was key to him joining Sunderland this week.

The former Aberdeen defender said: "Roy Keane was a massive influence. I've watched him as a player over the years and now he has gone into management he's got a massive presence about him, so it was a huge factor in me coming to the club.

"The Sunderland fans are very passionate about their team, too. The crowds they were getting last season is a tribute to the supporters and it's going to be exciting to play in front of them."

He added: "It's all happened quite quickly.

"I have been on holiday and I took a call from my agent last week saying Sunderland were interested.

"Then it was just a case of seeing if the two clubs could agree a fee."