Sunderland boss Roy Keane is backing the club's stance in helping striker Michael Chopra as he "deals with some personal problems".

The Daily Mirror reported on Thursday that the former Newcastle and Cardiff player had been checked into the Sporting Chance clinic.

Keane said: "We are helping Michael as he deals with some personal issues and he has the full support of everyone at the club. We would ask that his privacy, and that of his family, is respected at this time and the club will not be commenting further on this matter."