The Irishman was disappointed at the way his side capitulated at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday a week after securing their own Barclays Premier League status, and promised a major overhaul of his squad in his post-match comments.

Keane has experienced a whirlwind two seasons since taking over at the Stadium of Light, and while he will spend much of the summer trying to re-shape his playing staff, he will also take the opportunity to put his feet up.

"I am ready for a break. I have had enough after the Bolton game, really had enough," Keane said.

"I didn't have a great summer last year trying to get my coaching badges, but I will have a break this summer. I will have a break.

"It has been a tough season for everyone, but the good thing about the Bolton game is that it just confirmed what I already know. To lose that many games in a season - and it's not as if we have been on a fantastic cup run - is not acceptable.

"We cannot kid ourselves. We are talking about Premier League level here, not non-league. How many times do you have to say the same things over again?

"People are getting fed up with me saying the same things and so am I. That's why I keep using the word 'character'. We have some good ones here at the club, and we need some more. We need more players, we need more quality."