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Keane hopes for safe return
Sunderland, 10:22, September 9, 2008 ,
Roy Keane is praying for the safe return of his players from international duty as Sunderland look to bounce back against Wigan.
The Black Cats boss has 10 players away on international duty and there are already concerns over Teemu Tainio and George McCartney who have picked up slight knocks.
Kenwyne Jones is still out after picking up a knee injury while with Trinidad and Tobago back in June and Keane is hoping for a clean bill of health as they look to erase the memory of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.
"When players go away on international duty it is always a bit of a worry for club managers but all you can do is keep your fingers crossed and hope they come back fit and healthy," Keane revealed.
"I'm a big believer that international football can be a benefit to players, they can come back fitter and sharper and in a better frame of mind at times.
"But the downside of that of course is the risk of injury."