SUNDERLAND strikers Anthony Stokes and Daryl Murphy have been given glowing endorsements by their international bosses after taking their chance to shine for the Republic of Ireland.

With the likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff at home, the Irish used a mini-break to the United States as the ideal platform to test out up and coming talents.

Murphy and Stokes were given a chance and Ireland manager Steve Staunton was satisfied with their form - indicating their caps will be the first of many.

On Saturday Stokes played the full 90 minutes of Ireland's 1-1 draw with Bolivia and Murphy - who set up a goal in their first game with Ecuador last Wednesday - entered the fray at half-time.

Now, with Irish eyes focused on the European Championships qualifier with Slovakia on September 8, Murphy and Stokes can look towards that fixture optimistic of being involved.

The two were part of a young and inexperienced team on Saturday night and over the two games 11 players made their international debuts - with the Staunton camp hoping they have unearthed some Irish gems.

"Whatever happens, if Damien Duff or Robbie Keane are injured, from what you've seen here, whoever we pick, you know they are not going to let the country down," said Kevin McDonald, Staunton's assistant.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane will also be pleased to see his two players progressing at that level, having previously voiced his annoyance at the way a few of his Irish members had been ignored.

Keane is to strengthen his squad - with a striker a priority - and the likes of Murphy and Stokes will face a difficult challenge to keep their place in the Premiership.

And David Beckham, a former team-mate of Keane, believes Sunderland are destined to become a top-flight force under his former team-mate's tutelage.

"I always had the feeling Roy would go into management and I knew he would be one of the best around because of his passion for football," said Beckham, who is back in the England squad for the games with Brazil and Estonia.

"He has the respect and when a manager gets respect from a team that is a great start. Players aren't going to mess around with him because of his passion.

"I'm happy for him because he deserves it as a person and a player. I know how passionate he was as a player.

"People always ask me what Roy Keane was like and was he horrible and yes, he was horrible at times but that was the reason we won so much - because of his mentality and his passion for the team.

"It's great that he is going be in the Premiership this year and I think a lot of people will watch Sunderland because they will have the passion."