Craigt Gordon signed from Hearts for �9m in August 2007

A string of key saves from the Scotland keeper was the sort of form that earned Gordon his �9m summer move from Hearts.

"He was outstanding," said Keane. "He's looked really sharp in the last month. He had two or three days away with Scotland and it's done him good."

Keane also believed Nigerian midfielder Dickson Etuhu had a real impact on his return from international duty.

Lucky he scored because he might have got a different reaction from me Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Daryl Murphy

"Dickson's always been a threat," said Keane. "I've seen him score enough goals at his former club, particularly in the air, because he's a big lad.

"That'll do Dickson the world of good. He's been frustrated that he's not played much for his country."

Irish winger Daryl Murphy lit up the game with a thunderous goal and Keane was delighted for his fellow countryman.