CHOPRA'S REHAB BACKED BY CLUB; Sunderland boss Keane's support for troubled star.

Byline: BY JEREMY ARMSTRONG

ROY Keane yesterday promised that Sunderland FC are fully behind Michael Chopra after the striker went into rehab.

As the Mirror revealed yesterday, the former Newcastle player has checked himself into a private clinic to battle what a source close to the ace called "relationship issues".

Keane said yesterday: "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."

The 24-year-old, who joined the Black Cats from Cardiff City last year, is now at the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire.

The centre, previously used by Gazza and Joey Barton, was set up by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams. Chopra checked in after a furious early-hours bustup with his wife Heather Swan in Newcastle on Monday.

The couple, who have a six-month-old son, Sebastian, split up after just four months of marriage last month.

A source close to the player told the Mirror: "He volunteered to go into rehab in order to readdress his relationship and bring some order into his life."

The source added: "Michael is desperate to save his marriage and wants to prove to Heather that he can be a better husband."

Michael has the full support of everyone at the club

ROY KEANE YESTERDAY

CAPTION(S):

MANAGER Roy Keane says the star has his full backing; HAPPIER TIMES With wife Heather; STRIKER In action for Black Cats