Chopra scored six goals for Sunderland last season

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has backed troubled striker Michael Chopra to make a return to the first-team following his spell on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old scored on his reserve-team return against Liverpool on Wednesday and Keane believes Chopra has benefited from the break.

"Chopra played a big role for us last year and it's great to see him back," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He's looked in great nick and back to his old self."

Chopra was sent off for Sunderland in a pre-season friendly against Sporting Lisbon which culminated in a three-match ban, and was also believed to have checked into a private clinic in late August, citing personal problems.

The former Newcastle United striker stunned supporters in the North East when he joined the Wearsiders from Cardiff City for �5m in July 2007, scoring six goals in his debut season.

Meanwhile Keane was keen to pay tribute to Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate ahead of Saturday's Tees-Wear derby at the Stadium of Light.

Both men have similar attitudes to management and the style of football their sides should play and Keane admitted he is a big admirer of his opposite number.

"Gareth's someone I've come across on a number of occasions," he said.

"Middlesbrough are a club to be admired because they do things properly.

"They've had decent success over the last few years, they've got a chairman who seems to back their manager and a lot of people would like to be in Gareth's position."