Sunderland manager Roy Keane was full of praise for his Coca-Cola Championship side as they continued their promotion push with a 2-0 success at Plymouth.

An inspired substitution by Keane - introducing Ireland striker Anthony Stokes in the 66th minute - proved a masterstroke.

Stokes, a £2million buy from Arsenal last month, scored with a brilliant angled drive on the run from 20 yards just three minutes after his introduction.

It was Stokes' first goal for the Black Cats, who doubled their lead when fellow striker David Connolly made it 2-0 in the 71st minute, rounding home goalkeeper Luke McCormick before slotting home.

Keane explained: "The opening goal was always going to be very important and Stokes took it really well.

"We knew once we scored Plymouth would have to come at us and maybe leave gaps and with the quality we have got, especially going forward, we could cause them problems.

"It's been a hectic month for Anthony, what with winning his first international cap and now getting his first goal for us.

"It always gives you a big lift to look around on the bench and see players like Anthony, Liam (Miller) and Grant (Leadbitter) on the bench behind you and raring to get on.

"Having players like that could make the difference come the end of the season - you never know."