Reaction:Roy Keane's replacement at Sunderland Ricky Sbragia has welcomed the Corkman's return to football after just over four months out of the game.

Keane has been appointed manager of Championship side Ipswich Town on a two-year contract.

Sbragia, who assisted Keane at the Stadium of Light before taking over from the former Republic of Ireland and Manchester United captain, expected to see Keane back in the headlines sooner rather than later.

"It's not a surprise," said the Scot today. "Roy's a good manager, it's nice to see him back and we wish him all the best at Ipswich.

"He wanted to get back, he needs football as much as football needs him. I think it is a good appointment."

Newcastle boss Alan Shearer was fairly dismissive when asked his opinion. The two were fierce foes on the pitch and the Keane circus is not uppermost in the former England striker's thoughts at the moment.

Shearer is currently attempting to drag Newcastle out of the relegation mire just a few miles up the road from where Keane took his first steps in management.

"I'm not really interested, I have got more important things to worry about, to be honest," he said. "But I wish him well."