Roy Keane would be a 'great fit' for Sunderland, Martin O'Neill has told The Times (via The Irish Examiner), gushing over the 'splendid news' of the potential appointment.

The lowdown

According to Sky Sports, Keane has been interviewed as part of the search for Lee Johnson's successor.

The Irishman hasn't managed since leaving Ipswich Town 10 years ago, but he's now 'considering another crack'.

He was in charge at Sunderland from 2006 to 2008, until he tendered his resignation after a run of five defeats in six left The Black Cats in the relegation zone.

In the words of chairman Niall Quinn, he'd led the club from 'the depths of the Championship' back to the top-flight, and his decision was accepted 'reluctantly' (via BBC Sport).

The latest

O'Neill says Keane's earlier achievements at The Stadium of Light, and his style of management, would make him an excellent appointment.

The former Manchester United captain worked as one of O'Neill's assistants with the Republic of Ireland, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, so you couldn't get a much better source for a reference.

That collaboration may be no more, but they're still said to meet regularly.

"It's a great fit because Roy had success there before," he said. "It's splendid news.

"From my experiences working with Roy, I would really want to play for him and I would readily accept any tough times and hard words for what the praise would mean if I did something terrific to please him.

"Roy said qualification for the Euros and the time in France and the night against Italy [when Ireland qualified for the knockout stages courtesy of an 85th-minute goal] were up with anything he did as a player.

"Roy has said it too many times for me not to believe him."

The verdict

O'Neill's comments about the pair's successes together speak volumes about Keane's desire to lead, and he also thinks players would be extra motivated to please the potential new boss.

On the other hand, perhaps they'd also be eager to avoid his wrath. Indeed, according to The Athletic's Michael Walker, some key figures at Sunderland want Keane because they expect him to 'frighten' a 'complacent' squad.

One former Ipswich player, David Norris, has even claimed that 'half' the dressing room at Portman Road were 'scared' of him.

That fear factor is worth considering too, and if it pays off with promotion back to the second tier it would be the perfect gamble.

In other news, Phil Smith was baffled by this Mike Dodds decision.