Republic of Ireland international Clive Clarke believes Roy Keane's demands to meet his own high standards can inspire a promotion push at Sunderland.

Keane is set for a return to football as Sunderland's new manager. The 35-year-old Corkman has held talks with chairman Niall Quinn and is expected to be officially unveiled tomorrow.

And Sunderland defender Clarke, who is acquainted with Keane through the international set-up, believes his compatriot can inspire an upturn in fortunes at the Stadium of Light.

Clarke, who was capped against Jamaica two years ago, said: "Roy Keane is a legend in the game and has an almighty presence about him.

"You look at his career and he's always demanded high standards wherever he has been, whether that be Nottingham Forest, Manchester United or the Republic.

"His biggest quality is his leadership skills. He's a born leader and has always inspired people around him.

"Coming to Sunderland as a manager is obviously a different situation because he doesn't have any experience of this situation.

"But he was undoubtedly a world-class player and will command huge respect at Sunderland because of what he achieved in the game and that should hold him in great stead."

Clarke, who is currently sidelined as he recovers from a hernia, added: "I don't know Roy too well personally but have trained with him for the Republic of Ireland and it's not hard to see how seriously he takes the game.

"He lives and breathes football and it looks like he's coming into Sunderland at just the right time. Yes, he is very demanding but maybe that's exactly what we need to start getting results.

"And if we can put one or two wins together then there's no reason why we can't soon be up there because everyone connected with Sunderland expects us to be up there challenging at the end of the season. Promotion is the club's objective."

Keane's appointment will see Quinn revert to his role as chairman following a five-game spell at the helm when he lost every game, including a humiliating Carling Cup defeat to Bury on Tuesday.

Keane is expected to be in the dug-out when Sunderland face West Brom at the Stadium of Light on Monday.  PA