Keane was impressed by his team application against Chelsea

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has urged his players to match the effort they put in during Saturday's defeat to Chelsea in each of their final eight games.

Premier League survival is the target for the Black Cats and Keane feels it is only a matter of time before results begin to reflect their performances.

"There seems to be a lot more intensity about us," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"We tackled well and played good football. If the players keep playing like that they will get the rewards."

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One positive aspect for Keane going into the tail end of the season is the prospect of having a near fully fit squad at his disposal.

"It gives me a headache having [Carlos] Edwards and [Roy] O'Donovan coming back into contention for next week," he said.

"It's a nice headache for me and it's not one I've had for a while in terms of having a squad of 20 or 21 to select from."