Sunderland AFC: Roy Keane signing failed after Birmingham City brilliance

Roy Keane had an eye for a transfer during his managerial spell with Sunderland. Having forged a significant reputation in his playing career, the Irishman was able to lure talented prospects to the Stadium of Light.

Craig Gordon, Steed Malbranque and Kieran Richardson are all examples of ‘big names’ who Keane was able to persuade to join the Black Cats during his reign.

However, the former Manchester United captain did not always get it right. In January 2008, he lured Rade Prica to Wearside from Danish side Aalborg for a reported £2m.

The Swedish international made an instant impact, scoring on his debut off the bench against Birmingham City. Sending the crowd into raptures, it appeared the Wearsiders had a new hero, but the Swede never built on his goal and became a flop in red and white.

Rade Prica made a great first impression on Sunderland supporters.

Having signed on New Year’s Day, Prica had to wait until the end of January to be included in Sunderland’s match day squad against Birmingham.

The Swede was named on Keane’s bench, with the manager opting for Kenwyne Jones and Anthony Stokes up front. With the Black Cats 1-0 up, the Irishman was keen to build on his side’s lead and brought Prica on for Dwight Yorke.

After just 19 minutes of being on the pitch, Prica calmly lofted his effort over Maik Taylor to send the home end into raptures. Prica did not rest on his laurels and found the net again, only to have his goal ruled out for handball by Mark Halsey.

Having made such a great first impression at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland supporters were full of praise for Keane, who appeared to have unearthed a Swedish gem.

However, Prica failed to build on his smashing start and only appeared for the Black Cats on five more occasions, playing a total of just 206 minutes that season.