Michael Chopra's last goal came from the penalty spot in December

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has said he fully expected striker Michael Chopra to score the goal that earned Saturday's 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

Chopra came off the bench to grab a crucial winner. And Keane admitted he had faith in the former Cardiff City striker to put his chance away.

"When he was through on goal I fancied him and he took it beautifully," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's been tough for Chops this season as I have played him out of position."

Michael Chopra goals 2007-08 1 v Tottenham (h) - 11 August 2007 1 v Birmingham (a) - 15 August 2007 1 (pen) v Reading (a) - 22 December 2007 1 v Aston Villa (a) - 22 March 2008

Chopra's goal was his first in open play since August (ironically, that came just across the city of Birmingham at St Andrew's). And it came as a welcome boost to Keane after having Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyne Jones ruled out.

"Kenwyne couldn't train with us on Friday with a virus," said Keane. "I spoke to the doctor in training and he said 'Roy, he's definitely not right'.

"The temptation is obviously to take that risk but I had to be fair to the player and at this level if you're not 100% then you're going to struggle."

Keane also laughed off suggestions that he might have seriously considered Cardiff boss Dave Jones' cheeky inquiry last week about taking Chopra back on loan.

"I admire Dave Jones for chancing his arm," said Keane.