Roy Keane called Nottingham Forest "outstanding" after they had come so close to knocking his Sunderland side out of the Carling Cup.

The Wearsiders had to rely on an 86^th minute goal from Phil Bardsley to take last night's game into extra-time after Robert Earnshaw had given Forest the lead with a stunning free kick early in the second half.

David Healy sealed Sunderland's passage through to the third round with an extra-time goal ... but City Ground legend Keane gave his former club a ringing endorsement after the final whistle.

The Irishman said: "I'm sure Colin would say their aim is to maintain their place in the Championship and I can't see any problems for them.

"I said the same after we had played them in pre-season and my thoughts haven't changed. We knew it was going to be a tough game.

"They have got some big strong boys and they have got great desire. They play football the way it should be played.

"You never know, they could be dark horses - they had a good result at the weekend but they have a lot of young players and the Championship can be a tough league sometimes.

"But if they keep playing like they did against us, against Watford and when we met in pre-season, they will be fine.

"It would be great to see them nice and high up that table.

"A lot of clubs should come and watch Forest the way they play - I thought they were outstanding."