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MIDDLESBROUGH v SUNDERLAND - SOUTHGATE IMPRESSED BY KEANE
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate comes face to face in the dugout with Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Saturday when the two young managers contest the Tees-Wear derby.
Despite their differing characters on the pitch as players - Keane the aggressive and volatile midfielder, Southgate the calm and cultured defender - the Boro boss reckons that as managers they have much in common.
The Boro supremo, once on the receiving end of Keane's studs in his chest during the Irishman's Manchester United playing days, feels the Black Cats boss has a calm and measured side which will stand him in good stead as a Premier League manager.
"We send each other the occasional message," revealed Southgate.
"We are both making our steps (into management). The character that people think he is is no more than perception. People don't really know any of us until they spend time with us.
"I was very impressed with Roy when I met him last year. I hold him in high esteem as a player and a person. I'm not surprised he's doing a good job as a manager. I have a lot of respect for him."
Keane has impressively managed to keep his temper under control during his time in the Black Cats hot seat, but Southgate knows that does not mean his passion for the game is waning, and the Boro boss is sure that his opposite number's fire will show in the way Keane's team enter tomorrow's big clash.
"It will be a strong physical game," said Southgate.
"They had a good result last weekend (a 2-1 home win over Reading) and will be looking forward to the derby as much as we are.
"They have a lot of new players, but it's a transition for them. They are finding out whether they can play in this division."
Boro will make no special plans for Kenwyne Jones, who scored the opening goal on his home debut for Sunderland last week.
"He did very well, but I don't make special plans for any player," said Southgate.
"I expect my defenders to defend. But I know that anyone we play against can hurt us. We felt that we had seen the best of West Ham in the first half last week, and that they couldn't hurt us in the second half. But they stung us."
And while Southgate does not have Keane's aggressive reputation, he is nonetheless extremely demanding of his players, as he made clear.
"We know what these derby games mean to the fans, but also to the players. We want to win this game in particular," he said.
"We must show fighting qualities, and the players have been. Everybody who pulls on a shirt for us is giving everything. We have to work harder than Sunderland and outplay them."
Boro are looking to bounce back from their defeat at West Ham - the first reverse in five games for the Teessiders.
To that end, Southgate is likely to hand Tuncay Sanli a starting berth in place of hamstring injury victim Jeremie Aliadiere.
Tuncay came off the bench at West Ham, hit the woodwork and missed other good chances, but Southgate earlier this week rubbished suggestions that the Turkey international is unhappy at Boro.
"He's a super character, is adapting to life here well, and a goal will help him," said Southgate.
"I thought he was fantastic last week; he just needed the finish."
By Bettingzone.co.uk
Used with permission.
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