Arca, who reluctantly left the Stadium of Light after six years last summer to join derby rivals Middlesbrough, retains a huge affection for the club which give him his chance in England.

Having played his part in helping the Wearsiders finish seventh in the top flight in his first season at the club in 2000-01, he knows what it will take to make an impact this time around.

And the 26-year-old is confident with Keane’s tenacity and the backing of chairman Niall Quinn and his Drumaville consortium this summer, they can do just that.

Arca said: “It’s good to see them back up. I know how frustrating it is being up and down all the time, but apparently this time they look like they are going for it.

“They had had a great season. They did not start well, but since Roy Keane went there, he has changed things around.

“The players have a lot of confidence now and they are going for the title, but the main thing was to get promotion and they have got it already.

“With the support of Niall Quinn and the support of the Irish people, they could have a good season next season.”