Keane targets cup run

Sunderland boss buoyed by Portsmouth win

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 26th May 2008

Roy Keane Sunderland manager

Keane: Cup ambition

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Roy Keane is hoping that Sunderland can take inspiration from Portsmouth and enjoy success in one of the cup competitions next season.

Pompey broke the stranglehold of the top four clubs as they won the FA Cup, while Tottenham were also triumphant in the Carling Cup.

Sunderland failed to win a cup match as they were shocked by Luton in the Carling Cup and lost 3-0 to Premier League rivals Wigan in the FA Cup.

The Black Cats have also been beaten by Brentford, Bury and Preston since they won their last cup match, a 3-0 victory over Northwich Victoria in January 2006.

Keane is anxious to do better in future and does not believe there is any reason why his side cannot embark on a long cup run.

"Our cup performances have been some of my biggest disappointments at Sunderland," he told the club's official website.

Opportunity

"One of my ambitions for next season is to do well in the cups - but saying that I was ambitious to do well in them last year and the year before.

"Our performances against Luton and Wigan were not acceptable, it was very disappointing for a club like ourselves to lose like that.

"You just have to look at the FA Cup this season to see the opportunities - with only one Premier League team in the semi-finals.

"We've got to look at Portsmouth and believe we can do something similar. We'd love to have a good cup run next season."