Yorke has since seen Keane deliver on his promise of big signings by bringing in fellow midfielders Steed Malbranque and Teemu Tainio to increase competition for places.
The 36-year-old did make the bench for the 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City last time out and is now setting his sights on breaking back into the team.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "I'm three or four weeks behind the rest of the lads in terms of match fitness, but I was able to stay fairly active when I had the injury.
"I do feel a fully-fit Dwight Yorke has a part to play or I wouldn't have signed a new contract. I had a long chat with the manager in the summer, he said he felt I could play a part in the Premier League.
"That was good enough for me and that's why I signed the deal. I knew he would be bringing a lot of players and competition would be intense, but that is what we all live for.
"Obviously I feel I can compete against these guys. I can bring the experience that we still need."




