Soccer: Alan Curbishley has expressed his interest in the vacant manager's job at Sunderland after the departure of Roy Keane.

Keane left the Stadium of Light earlier this week after 27 months in charge with the team third from bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

Former Charlton manager Curbishley is available after resigning from West Ham in September citing boardroom interference over transfer dealings.

After joining the Hammers, the 51-year-old led them to a miraculous escape from relegation at the end of the 2006/07 season and he wants the chance to guide the Black Cats away from the drop zone.

Curbishley said: "I'm a Premier League manager for the past 10 years and want to stay working in the Premier League.

"People think boring, mid-table Alan Curbishley's teams finish 10th and seem to look down their noses at that.

"But looking at the table one or two clubs would be grateful to be in that position."

Curbishley has been linked with the job along with the likes of Sam Allardyce, Gordon Strachan and Phil Brown but he believes Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn will not be rushed into a decision.

"I think Niall will take his time in making the right appointment," he added.

"When Sunderland appointed Roy they were fourth from bottom of the Championship and the only way was up.

"Now whoever takes over faces the reality of the Premier League."

Former Black Cats boss Peter Reid has also expressed his shock at Keane's departure.

Reid, who spent more than seven years at the Sunderland helm from 1995-2002, said: "I can't understand why Roy has left, especially when he has the best chairman in the Premier League right now.

"Niall Quinn is an absolute diamond. Niall will be disappointed but now he must move the club on.

"He knows no-one is bigger than Sunderland. What he can look at is a healthy situation in terms of the playing squad and infrastructure.

"Everything is set up there. Whoever comes in will be very lucky."