Manchester City Boss Mark Hughes believes Roy Keane will return to the game a wiser manager.

Keane resigned as Sunderland boss on Thursday after 27 months in charge at the Stadium of Light.

His departure followed a string of poor results, which currently leaves the Black Cats fighting relegation at 18th on the table.

Hughes, however, believes his former team-mate and counterpart will return to the game a stronger individual.

"Roy is a young man and still has a great future in the game," said Hughes on the Sky Sports website.

"Maybe he just needs that breathing space to refresh himself, take a step back and learn from the experience.

"It is always sad when a Premier League manager or any manager loses his job.

"He will have had his reasons for leaving Sunderland. He is a very forthright and straight guy," Hughes said.

He added: "Once he makes a decision he sticks to his guns. That seems to be what has happened here."