ROY KEANE has hinted that the Sunderland players who have tasted life in the Premier League before have not learnt from the experience - and claims that is one of the reasons why Wigan cruised to a comfortable win.

Nyron Nosworthy, Daryl Murphy and Danny Collins were all part of the last Black Cats squad to have been involved in a season in the English top-flight two years ago, when they dropped out with a record low points total.

And, with the exception of the hugely experienced Dwight Yorke, many other members of Keane's starting line-up that succumbed 3-0 to Wigan have at least tasted what it is like to play in the top tier.

But the furious Irishman, whose side were watched by available striker Andy Cole at the JJB Stadium, feels his players need to make the most of what they already know, or face the consequences.

"We've got to learn, and learn fast, but some of the lads have been here (the Premier League) before and clearly they've still not learned so that's my job as a manager," said Keane. "I take full responsibility for this performance and it won't happen again.

"I look back on a certain few games where we lost last year and you find out about different characters, different people. I found out a hell of a lot at Wigan, let me tell you - a hell of a lot.

"You don't need to lose three nil to realise how tough this Premiership is. Even after this last week there was nobody at this club who was getting carried away. Other people may have been.

"This is a disappointment but, just like when you are high, you try not to get too high, so when you are low you can't afford to get too low. We do have two games now where we face Liverpool and Man United, so two nice and easy one's to get going again."

Keane did not want to divulge what he said to his players during a 25-minute lock-in after the defeat to the Latics, although he was keen to stress that the fact he will be stepping up his recruitment drive this week has nothing to do with the result.

Cole, the former Manchester United and Newcastle striker, is likely to be one arrival, while Keane would still hope to land another forward and a left-back at least.

"We were looking to add anyway, it won't just be a reaction," said Keane. "We were hoping to add a couple of players before the transfer deadline, like lots of clubs."