ROY Keane has claimed that Crystal Palace's negative approach in last night's goalless draw at the Stadium of Light was an indication of how far Sunderland have come under his tutelage.

Goalkeeper Darren Ward had just one save to make all evening as Eagles boss Peter Taylor packed five men into midfield and urged his players to drop back at every available opportunity.

With Sunderland's attackers unable to make a breakthrough, the result was a sterile encounter that did little to set the pulse racing.

But while Keane refused to criticise Crystal Palace's reluctance to throw men forward, he admitted his players might have to get used to encountering such tactics if they continue to climb the Championship table.

"I haven't got a problem with them (Crystal Palace) playing like that," said Keane, who revealed that Liam Miller could be facing a four-week lay-off after injuring his hamstring in the latter stages of last night's game.

"We did it ourselves in some of my earliest games at the club.

"They came to frustrate us so I'm sure they'll be happy with their night's work. I'm happy with the commitment and effort of the players, but we didn't do enough in the attacking third to win the game.

"Maybe that's the way it's going to be now. It's a mark of respect for the players and the way we're trying to do things. They played with one up front for the whole 90 minutes and that's a compliment to us.

"We're going to get challenges like that, and it's up to the players to work it out and break it down."

With the transfer window due to swing shut at midnight tonight, Keane admitted that he was unsure whether the out-of-favour Steve Caldwell would complete a move to Coventry.

But despite retaining an interest in unsettled Plymouth full-back Tony Capaldi, the Black Cats boss hinted that his own spending spree was at an end.

"I don't think there'll be anyone coming in," said Keane. "But I'll sleep on it tonight and I suppose it depends on how I feel in the morning."

Stern John is the latest player to arrive on Wearside, and the former Coventry striker, who was not involved in last night's game, is confident he can make an impression in the second half of the season.

"When Roy Keane rings you up you are flattered," said John. "You want to emulate someone who has done so well in the game.

"There has been a steady improvement here from the start of the season. The manager has brought in new players who know about this league and are winners.

"My strong points are holding the ball up and bringing others into play. I can score goals and my work ethic is good so, hopefully, I can help Sunderland march up the table."

l Stephen Elliott and Anthony Stokes have both been named in the Republic of Ireland squad for next month's Euro 2008 qualifier with San Marino. It is a first senior call-up for Stokes, who impressed in a B international against Scotland last November.

Midfielder Liam Miller is facing a spell out after suffering a hamstring injury in the second half.

Keane said: ''If it's a bad one then it's definitely three or four weeks but we'll reassess it in the morning.''

Palace manager Peter Taylor made no secret of his team's limited ambitions coming into the game.

''Sunderland are in good form, very good form, so I thought we could come here and try to nick a 1-0 win,'' he said. "I'm delighted with the way we went about the job.''