Chopra future up in the air; Star wants to stay put.

MICHAEL CHOPRA is keeping a close eye on developments at the Stadium of Light after the departure of Roy Keane.

The 24-year-old is currently on loan at Cardiff City and has said he would like to stay on at Ninian Park.

However, there is every chance whoever gets the top job at Sunderland may recall him to Wearside, leaving the striker's future somewhat in the air.

Chopra said: "The loan's due to end on December 28 and after that I don't know what is going to happen.

"Obviously, with what's gone on at Sunderland this week I'm not sure if I will be going back up there or staying here, but all I can do is take things day by day and try and do well for Cardiff City in the time I have left.

"I'd like to stay because I'm enjoying playing, but it's out of my hands and ultimately down to the two clubs to sort things out.

"We don't know who the next manager is going to be at Sunderland, or when he is going to be appointed, so I'll just have to wait and see."

Chopra was philosophical about Keane's departure after the controversial ex-boss stood by him during a personal crisis. The player attended the Sporting Chance clinic but was thrown a chance by Keane in the Tees-Wear derby and responded by netting twice in a 2-0 win before going out on loan to Championship side Cardiff.

He added: "It was a surprise to me when Roy left - it came out of the blue. But Roy is Roy - he's someone that has his own mind and he will do what he thinks is right for him and the club.

"I've got nothing but respect for him. He spent a lot of money on me and gave me a chance to play in the Premier League, and I'll always be grateful to him for that.

"He also gave me a lot of support when I was having some problems with my personal life."

Chopra starred for Cardiff last night in the 2-2 draw with Burnley and revealed life was going fine in South Wales.

He added: "I wasn't expecting to play against Preston because I had been ill in the week and also had to travel to Sunderland to get an injection in my foot.

"But the most important thing was that we got the result we needed and it keeps us up there in contention.

"The injury's something I have been carrying for the last few weeks and I had a similar problem with it last season at Sunderland.

"But the injection appears to have done the trick."

FORMER Sunderland star Tobias Hysen has hit out at Keane and lifted the lid on life at the Stadium of Light during his reign.

He said: "At times he was very harsh.

He would have a go at players and tell them they were worth nothing.

"Because of Keane's reputation people were afraid of trying to talk to him."

CAPTION(S):

CAPTAIN'S CALL: Kevin Pietersen speaks to Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison during an England practice session at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai; WAIT: Chopra