TOBIAS Hysen wants assurances about his future at Sunderland and has admitted he may have to move on to guarantee first team football.

As Celtic's Neil Lennon revealed he would be interested in a move to the Stadium of Light, the player who signed on the eve of Roy Keane's arrival appears to be on his way out.

The Swedish winger, 25, son of former Liverpool player Glenn Hysen, was in and out of the first team last season as Keane guided the Black Cats to the title, but never enjoyed the luxury of being a first-choice player.

He joined last summer from Djurgardens for £1.7m and Sunderland would look to recoup most of that fee if he is allowed to leave.

"They will make a big investment to avoid the drop and then we will see if there is a place for me," said Hysen, part of the gang of three who were infamously left behind when they were late for the coach to Barnsley - the other two being Anthony Stokes and Marton Fulop.

"If I feel that I won't get to play, it might be better to move on. I want to play for a club where I am first choice."

Keane has been linked with a move for Celtic holding midfielder Lennon, and this weekend the 35-year-old spoke of being flattered by the apparent interest.

The veteran played his final game at Celtic Park in the 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Saturday, and received a standing ovation when he left the field.

Asked about links with the Black Cats, Lennon said: "Sunderland would appeal to me greatly but it's only hearsay at the moment. I have not had direct contact with the club."

Lennon will make his last appearance for Celtic in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline on May 26.

Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd, meanwhile, has warned Keane about the perils of Premiership management.

Boothroyd's side return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight and never really looked like staying up.

The Hornets manager conducted thorough research about life in the Premiership after his side's triumph in the play-offs last May - but admitted it was of little use.

"I sought advice. I made sure I spoke to people because I wanted to find out what it was like," said Boothroyd.

"I had a huge file's worth of information - but, in the end, you might as well just get someone to hit you over the head with it.

"It is like driving a car - until you have stalled a few times, you never really know what it is like.

"You just have to live it, and make sure you get the lessons out of it, because there are so many there to be had."

Keane was at Molineux yesterday to watch West Bromwich Albion defender Paul McShane.

The 21-year-old Irishman is a former Manchester United trainee and has impressed in his first season at the Hawthorns.

Any move, however, for the £2.5m-rated centre-back will hinge on whether the Baggies are promoted through the play-offs.