Keane has seen his team lose in 16 Premier League games this season (PA)

The Black Cats were hanging on for a point before Andrew Johnson's winner but Keane believes his players could not be faulted for their application.

"There's no question of the players' desire," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The players kept going right to the end and on another day we could have got the right result."

Interview: Sunderland boss Roy Keane

I'm done in after every Sunderland defeat Sunderland boss Roy Keane

The pressure continues to grow for Sunderland and Keane admits he hates losing games as much now as a manager as he did as a player.

"Like last weekend I think football is a cruel game. I'm done after every game," he said.

"I do believe the last few weeks have been unfair on the players."