KIERAN Richardson last night insisted he has no qualms with Roy Keane after the manager dropped him from Sunderland's last game of the season against Arsenal on Sunday.

That was a result of turning up late for training and it's not the first time that Keane has shown a zero tolerance approach.

Anthony Stokes, Marton Fulop and Tobias Hysen were minutes late for the team bus to Barnsley last season and all were dropped.

And Keane's patience with Liam Miller finally snapped in February when the midfielder was transfer-listed after turning up late for training on more than one occasion.

Keane again demonstrated his tough stance when Richardson was left out of Sunday's squad.

"I spoke to the gaffer about it, it's fine," insisted the 23-year-old.

"There's no hard feelings. I'm just raring to go for next season.

"I appreciate the decision from him, that's football. I was there on Sunday supporting the lads.

They played well against Arsenal, they were unlucky. Now I'll get ready for next season."

Richardson blamed a delayed train for his lateness.

However, the former Manchester United player understands why Keane clamped down.

"During the week there was an incident where I was late for training due to my train being late," revealed Richardson.

"That's pretty much the reason why I was left out. I expect that of the manager. If you're not in on time, you don't get in the squad.

"It's one of those things. The train was late, there was a crash on the way so I was late, but that's football. I've just got to get ready for next season. It's the first time I've been late.

"I'm a Sunderland player and until I'm told differently I'll be back for pre-season."

Richardson insists he is happy with life on Wearside, despite an injury-plagued first season with the club following his £5.5m move from Manchester United.

The winger missed four months with back and hamstring problems.

"It's a massive club and I've enjoyed my first season here even though I've had injuries,"

said Richardson.

"But the fans have been great, the management and everyone here have been very supportive and hopefully next season I can have a better start."

M e a n w h i l e , Dwight Yorke has revealed no decision has yet been made on his future.

The 36- year-old is out of contract this summer and the former Manchester United striker has expressed a desire to play on for one more year.

"The gaffer and I have spoken a couple of times and there will be more talk in the week ahead," said Yorke.

"I have just got to go away and take stock. If the manager wants to speak to me, he knows where I am. I feel like I'm in good nick.

"I've been very lucky over the years with the injuries and I do want to keep playing.

" W h e t h e r it's at this club, or somewhere else, I don't know."

Yorke joined the Black Cats from Sydney in a £200,000 deal at the beginning of the season and he has been linked with a return to Australia.

"Everyone knows I had a fantastic time out there," said Yorke.

"I'm sure they will be watching closely to see what I'm still capable of doing.

"They know how much I enjoyed being in Australia, but this was a challenge I just couldn't pass up at the time."

There have been reports that Yorke could extend his stay on Wearside with a coaching role at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "To be perfectly honest, I've only heard that rumoured and I have not had that put to me.

"It's no secret that I'm doing my coaching badges. I feel like I've got knowledge of the game I can pass on to other players. But I do want to play at some stage next season."

11:05am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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