Sunderland’s goal-scorer against Arsenal on Saturday, Grant Leadbitter has been hailed by his boss Roy Keane for his tremendous progress despite of a deep setback in the summer.

The midfielder put the Black Cats ahead against the Gunners in the 86th minute at the Stadium of Light, almost winning it for the home side, but Cesc Fabregas headed the equaliser in the injury time for the visitors.

Leadbitter came across one of his most emotional moments when he scored the goal and as a tribute kissed the pitch near the spot where his late father Brian Leadbitter’s ashes were buried. His father, 50, expired in June – a time when it was completely unexpected.

Keane said: “Grant has scored important goals for us over the last two years but this one meant a heck of a lot to him.

“He is a local lad and he has had a difficult few months, so I am delighted for him.”

“He is a good professional, an honest lad he trains hard and the goal will do him good.”

“If I had a few more Grants in my side I would be very happy.”

Leadbitter said: “The people who know me know why I kissed that area of the ground.”

“My dad’s ashes were buried there. I don’t want to go on about it, it just means a lot to me and my family.”

“It was always my intention to do something like that when I scored my first goal here.”

“He was my dad, so he was a big supporter of mine, but Saturday was not just about me. I did not want it to be like that, it was about the team.”

“I had people in the stand who are close to me, I looked towards them and they know what it is all about.”