DWIGHT Yorke has warned Premier League managers that Roy Keane can be as successful a boss as he was a player, but anyone expecting Sir Alex Ferguson mark two this season may be disappointed.

And Yorke, who was one of Keane's first signings as Sunderland boss, has seen enough of his former team-mate to consider making the switch to manager himself.

Keane today launches the latest phase in his career, taking his fledgling managerial reign into the top flight 18 months after quitting Manchester United.

After winning Premier League titles, FA Cups and guiding Manchester United to the Champions League and an unprecedented treble in 1999 as a player, Yorke believes anything's possible for Keane the manager.

"I know exactly what he is capable of," said 35-year-old Yorke, who could be handed a surprise start against Tottenham today as Keane looks for greater experience in his midfield.

"Some may have been surprised by how easily Roy has gone from player to manager but not me. Roy is a born winner and everyone can see that.

"All he did was transfer that from being a player into being a manager.

"It's a massive test for him in the Premier League. Playing under someone like Alex Ferguson, it would be silly not to learn from someone as great as him.

"But I promise you Roy will be his own man and create his own style. He will, though, stamp his own authority on the job."

Yorke still can't quite believe how Keane persuaded him to swap semi-retirement and the beaches of Sydney for a Championship campaign on Wearside.

And despite countless offers, Yorke would have returned to English football for no-one else.

"Lets be realistic about things, I left Birmingham to go to Australia and I never thought it was possible to come back," said Yorke.

"Doing well in Sydney and then going to the World Cup (with Trinidad & Tobago) I was very happy. I loved it out there and the lifestyle was fantastic.

"Roy said he wanted me to play a role both on and off the field and that I would be a massive help.

"Despite what people may say about me, I was so happy to have someone believe in me and believe I could do that sort of role.

"I wouldn't have come back for anyone. I came back for Roy Keane. I had a fantastic lifestyle in Sydney. The weather, the city, everything. I have nothing bad to say about that place.

"I had opportunities to come back and play in the Championship for other clubs but I refused them.

"Roy asked me - that was the difference. We had great times as players at United.

"People will look at me and have their doubts but he believed and that means so much. He didn't listen to what others said."

The ease with which Keane has made the transition has not been lost on Yorke, labelled something of a playboy footballer in the past.

"Dwight Yorke the manager? You never know," said Yorke, who is just three months Keane's senior.

"I will not rule anything out. Two years ago I would never have thought I would be back in the Premiership, rubbing shoulders with the big boys. It's a cliche but nothing surprised you in football so I may well become a manager one day."