Republic of Ireland international Graham Kavanagh has been told he has a role at Sunderland despite being linked with a move away.

The Dubliner has languished in the reserves since returning from a knee injury and has lost his way at both club an international level.  The 33-year-old has not played for Sunderland's first-team since December.

But the club's manager, Roy Keane, is adamant the Dubliner has a future at the Stadium of Light despite interest from Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Leeds.

At the start of the season Keane conceded there were "six or seven players" ahead of Kavanagh in the pecking order.

Kavanagh then approached Keane with regards leaving on loan but the manager was reluctant to sanction such a move.

"I don't like idea of Graham going out on loan as I think he's better than that," Keane said during the club's pre-season tour of Ireland.

Today the manager reaffirmed those sentiments.  "Kav is part of my plans," he said. "The downside for him is that he's coming back from a long-term injury and that he plays in the middle of the park - one of our strongest positions.

"He has just fallen behind.  When you've been out for that length of period, you do need games.  He's played the last few reserve games and he's played very well."

Kavanagh and fellow international Ian Harte will play for the club's reserves against Manchester City tonight, a game Keane feels will benefit the midfielder.

"He'll be looking to get 90 minutes tonight.  It will do Kav the world of good, we all know what a good player he is."