Tests come in different forms and Roy Keane has crammed a few of them into his short, stellar managerial career, having arrived at Sunderland when the team were moored at the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship, steered them to promotion and secured their place in the Barclays Premier League. The Irishman acknowledges that another is beckoning.

Having spent in the region of £40 million last summer on established international players - and about £80 million over the course of his 27 months at the club - Keane is leading a very different Sunderland to the one he inherited in August 2006.

Realities have changed and so have expectations; while the project remains a long-term one, the present is proving turbulent. Since their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on October 25, Keane's side have lost four matches in succession. While one of those defeats was away to Chelsea, the 5-0 scoreline was severe, and others have been against Stoke City and Portsmouth. On Wednesday, they lost to Blackburn Rovers in the Carling Cup, accompanied by a disappointing attendance of 18,555.

Keane is setting soaring standards in everything from performances to discipline and timekeeping, but he can have little complaint if supporters begin to mutter about results, tactics or team selection. Contract negotiations are still to be resolved - his present deal expires this summer and talks are continuing - and this feels like a delicate moment in Sunderland's progression, with an apparent contradiction of rising expectations and falling crowds.

“Perseverance is the most important word at this football club right now,” the manager said. “You find out about different people and I'll find out a lot over the next 24, 48 hours. It'll sort the men from the boys. A lot of people will be writing us off, I am pretty sure of it, and that is a great challenge.

“We have known worse times, but you tend to forget how bad that was - just like when you hurt your leg or hit someone, you forget how raw it feels. I could talk all I want, giving beautiful speeches all the time and lifting their spirits, and the players could do the same, but it is what we do on the pitch. That is where the players will do their talking.

“It is always about looking at yourself and asking what you can give for this football club over the next few weeks and months. We will find that out without people ranting and raving or big long speeches. I do not think over the last few days the players have done too much wrong. I am not frustrated and angry in that sense, I just hope we can turn that corner because the longer it goes on, the pressure builds and builds.”

Victory away to Blackburn tomorrow would doubtless shift the mood. “I do believe it can change very quickly,” Keane said. “If we lose on Saturday, I am pretty sure we will be bottom but if we win, we will be mid-table.”