Sunderland boss Roy Keane has admitted he would have struggled to pick his club's player of the year but says that the fans' choice, Nyron Nosworthy, personified the effort of the team over the entire season.

Defender Nosworthy claimed the honour in a poll after making the transition from jittery right back to commanding centre half as the Black Cats launched their remarkable charge towards the Championship title.

Keane, while acknowledging the 26-year-old's contribution to a triumphant campaign, insisted he would have been hard-pressed to pick out his man of the season.

He told the club's website, safc.com: "Nyron summed up the attitude of the whole team in terms of the way the season went.

"He adjusted to a new position. When I got here, he was not even training with the first team.

"I was sussing out different players, but when he got his chance, he took it. He was good as gold.

"Nyron has been as consistent as anybody - but then again, there's Dean Whitehead, Darren Ward, Danny Collins, the two (Manchester) United lads (Danny Simpson and Jonny Evans), David Connolly, Daryl Murphy...the list goes on.

"It is very hard to pick out players - you could add Carlos (Edwards) and Dwight Yorke to that list.

"I would have to name just about everybody. They have all played their part."

Nosworthy was signed for Sunderland from Gillingham by former Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.

He was the butt of a few jokes in the Premiership for his performances at right back, which, ironically "summed up the attitude of the whole team" in their forgettable season in the top flight.

After seeing his Wolves side beaten 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in April, McCarthy reflected on his attempts to move 'Nuggsy' to centre half.

"Nuggsy has gone and played at centre half, which he never would for me. He never fancied it, in spite of my protestations. Maybe Roy's got more ability to coerce somebody to play out of position."