Crunch time for Roy Keane and Sunderland

Roy Keane was still in his post as Sunderland boss last night - as the club faced up to a defining run of games that could decide the Irishman's future.

Keane will be given a chance to arrest the current slump, and get a reaction from his beleaguered squad whose error-strewn efforts in the 4-1 home defeat by Bolton hinted at a discontented camp.

The club confirmed last night that Keane will hold his weekly media briefing on Thursday.

But having thrown into doubt his commitment to carrying on with some enigmatic quotes on Saturday night, a more solid route through the current troubles is required.

Keane must address the concerns over squad morale, his appetite for the fight, and the gnawing issue of his contract, which runs out in June. A new contract is unlikely to be on the agenda right now given the current turmoil.

This is Keane's first big test as boss and a trip to Manchester United on Saturday is unlikely to help. Games against West Brom and Hull will be of greater significance.

If Keane walked away it would wreck his reputation, especially after 27 months in which his bosses have done everything he's demanded in terms of cash for new players.

Defender Phil Bardsley said: "Everyone expects better but at this moment in time the luck's not with us, we need to start picking points up quick."

Get your hands on this week's estimated jackpot of £100,000 by playing the New Football Pools .

Find out what our resident Premier League fan bloggers think - and let them know your views.

Follow every Premier League game live with our brilliant Match Tracker .