Keane turns to Rovers striker McCarthy

Aug 10 2008 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

ROY KEANE is ready to make a fresh bid to land Benni McCarthy after his chances of signing Louis Saha receded over the weekend.

The Black Cats boss has enquired about Manchester United striker Saha and Blackburn frontman McCarthy over the past week.

But Saha seems set to stay at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson gave a strong indication that the Frenchman is still part of his plans — despite his injury problems.

Ferguson said: “You don’t want to give up on someone like that just because they’ve had a few injuries.

“When fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season.”

Blackburn have given Sunderland little encouragement in their pursuit of McCarthy, but Keane knows the South African is unhappy at Ewood Park since Paul Ince took over the reins from Mark Hughes.

And, with another top-quality striker still at the top of his shopping list and time running out before the Premier League season kicks-off against Liverpool on Saturday, Keane is set to step up attempts to bring the 30-year-old — who scored 24 goals last term — to Wearside.

Keane has been trying to sign a striker all summer but he failed to lure Darren Bent away from Spurs while Everton’s Andy Johnson chose a switch to Fulham instead.

Meanwhile, last night’s final pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers was washed out after a torrential downpour in Dublin.

The game was due to kick-off at 7.30pm but the rain started at 5pm and the match was called off half-an-hour later by the Gardai on safety grounds when the river Tolka burst its banks, flooding the area around the Tolka Park stadium.

Around 1000 Sunderland fans had bought tickets for the game and were left disappointed.

The Sunderland team were en-route to the ground when the decision was taken and they immediately headed for Dublin airport to fly home.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said: “We’re disappointed for everyone involved particularly our own fans who have travelled and spent good money to see this game.

“I’ve never witnessed rain like it in my life and I just hope everyone gets home safely.

“We have told Shamrock Rovers we would like to fulfil this fixture so we will look to rearrange it for a later date suitable for everyone.”

Rovers chairman John Roche said: “It’s unfortunate for everyone. I feel terrible for our fans and the Sunderland fans who have travelled over.

“We had been looking forward to the game for some time.”

No new date has yet been announced for the fixture, which will now take place at some stage during the season.

Tickets for last night’s game will be valid for any new date but refunds will also be available for any fans who are unable to return to Dublin.