Promotion is confirmed by the joy of text (From The Northern Echo)

Promotion is confirmed by the joy of text

8:51am Monday 30th April 2007 in

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HE is already the most famous dog in football, and Roy Keane's beloved Trigger found himself at the heart of another drama yesterday, writes Scott Wilson.

Five years after Keane was famously photographed walking his dog just days after he walked out of the Republic of Ireland's preparations for the 2002 World Cup, the Sunderland boss was back alongside Trigger as he received confirmation of the club's promotion to the Premiership yesterday.

Living up to his promise of ignoring live television coverage of Derby's 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, Keane was out with his dog when he received a text message confirming that Sunderland were back in the big-time.

"It's great news for the club," said the Irishman. "I'm delighted for the players who have done a fantastic job.

"I'm also delighted for all the staff who have played such a vital part, the fans who have been tremendous in their support for the team, and for Niall and the board who have been a great support since I arrived at the club."

While Keane avoided events that were unfolding at Selhurst Park, centre-half Jonny Evans was unable to peel himself away from the action.

The Manchester United loanee watched Derby's defeat in a pub in Durham and was a nervous wreck by the time the referee blew the final whistle.

"It's brilliant," he told the club's official website. "I'm still shaking with the adrenaline. I watched the second half of the game in a bar and it was weird when it got close to the final whistle.

"Coming to Sunderland has been unbelievable for me, the way things have turned out.

"Me and Danny Simpson were just talking about how brilliant the fans are here. They have really appreciated us and I'm so pleased for them."