And the Black Cats' boss says his squad will be playing for a place in the Premier League opener against Liverpool on August 16 when they take on the Dutch (kick-off 3pm).

The Stadium of Light friendly may be in honour of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup winning squad but Keane says this will be no exhibition match.

With a fortnight to go until the campaign begins at home to Rafa Benitez's Reds, he expects his players to perform.

He said: "Steed will be involved and it will be good for the new lads to get their first game at the Stadium of Light.

"I have a rough idea of players I'd like to be in my starting 11 against Liverpool, but I always think that's in the players' hands.

"They have two weeks to get in the team. One or two were left out of the team at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday and even though it's only pre-season, I know they weren't happy. Tough!

"That's what I want and I'll expect whoever plays against Ajax to show the right attitude, regardless of this being a pre-season game."
Sporting Lisbon are the highest ranked opposition Sunderland have met so far this pre-season, beating them 3-1 in Portugal.

Forest stretched the Wearsiders in midweek but Keane knows Ajax will be a different proposition.

He said: "Forest are a top, top football club and you know what you're going to get, but Ajax will be another step higher. We played a game about this time last year against Juventus and I thought it was a cracking game.

"It is important for our fans to be able to come and see top teams. I think it will be a good game."

Keane's men are unbeaten in their four pre-season games – beating Sporting, Cobh Ramblers and Forest while drawing with Vitoria de Setubal in Portugal.

After hosting Ajax, the Black Cats conclude their preparations in Ireland against Athlone Town (Aug 7) and Shamrock Rovers (Aug 9).