Roy Keane has been backed for a sensational Sunderland return by club legend Micky Gray.
The Manchester United great left the club just over 13 years ago but remains popular with Black Cats fans.
And it is understood that Keane is Sunderland's number one choice as head coach following the sacking of Lee Johnson last Sunday after a dismal 6-0 loss to Bolton.
The 50-year-old is very interested in returning to the club where he began his managerial career, gaining them promotion to the Premier League in 2007.
Speaking to talkSport, Gray said: "There have been a dozen names that have been mentioned there, I think Roy Keane has come from the back to the front.
"He’s obviously been at the club before and he was very successful, he got us into the Premier League where we stayed for a long time.
"I know Roy had left for a period when we were still in the Premier League, but I think he’d be a good appointment and I think the supporters will get right behind it."
Keane is known for his temperament and being tough to please, previously falling out with some of his players whilst coaching with Sunderland, Ipswich and Ireland.
And although some may see this as a red flag, Gray feels it's what made him successful at Sunderland.
He said: "I don’t think he needs to change at all.
“He got the best out of the team he had last time, yes he was able to bring in the players he wanted to bring to the football club and I think he was given that opportunity because we had wealthy owners.
“But it was his first stint in management and he did a fantastic job.
“The Sunderland support have certainly bought into Roy Keane, I know there are a few other names that have been touted around and I think over the last couple of seasons people are looking into Roy’s character because of what we see on television.
“I know he’s got that fire in his belly and he’s passionate about his football. He’s been a coach at Aston Villa and Ireland and he’s had a few other jobs.
“But I can only judge him on what I saw at Sunderland and the style of football he brought to the club and at the time all of the supporters absolutely loved that.
“So if he can get that going again, there’s no reason why the Sunderland supporters wouldn’t love him again.”
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