Sunderland face Nottingham Forest in the second round of the Carling Cup tie, and will be firm favourites against a side newly promoted from League One.

But the Black Cats manager, who is determined to take the club on a good cup run this season, insists there will be no room for complacency.

The Irishman – whose playing career in England began at the City Ground – said: "We know if we are not at it tonight, then we'll get beaten.

"I know Forest are capable of causing us problems if we let them, so we have to make sure we keep our standards as high as we've set them so far.

"They're a team on the up, they got promoted last season, and they're coming into the game off the back of a good victory in which they scored three goals.

"We played them in pre-season and beat them, but that game will have no bearing on how this one pans out.

"We did see, though, in that game, that they are a team that makes it difficult for you.

"Early in the season I think players still aren't at their sharpest, and that's why I've got to be so careful going into this evening's game.

"Forest have a very useful cup tradition – I reached a League Cup final and an FA Cup Final there when I was a player – and their fans will be looking forward to this game.

"That's why we have to make sure we are at our best."

Keane wants no repetition of last season's Carling Cup experience against Luton Town – when the Wearsiders crashed out with a 3-0 defeat at Kenilworth Road.

And for that reason there will not be wholesale changes for tonight, the manager resisting the temptation to field a weakened side.

He said: "I might make one or two changes, but, basically, it will be very similar to the Spurs squad.

"Luton last season backfired on us and, trust me, the Luton game is still very much in my mindset at the moment.

"Forest are a stronger side than Luton in my opinion, and will take the game very seriously."

Several fringe players, however, could come into contention, including former Forest keeper Darren Ward, right-winger Carlos Edwards, and new signings Pascal Chimbonda, Djibril Cisse and David Healy.

Keane added: "I'll look at a few players – Anthony Stokes has had a good pre-season.

"Lads like Liam Miller and Grant Leadbitter have been pushing, and there are also the lads looking to settle in.

"But, of course, the bottom line is to pick a team which I think will win the game."

While it will be all business for Keane on his return to the City Ground, he admits there will also be pleasure in going back to his old club.

He said: "It's nice to go back – I had a good feeling when I went back in pre-season, and I think that's a sign of a great football club if you get that.

"I had three very happy years at the club, on and off the pitch.

"I think Cloughie has still left his mark on the club, but there are also still people working there who were there when I was a player.

"We go down there looking to win the game, but that doesn't change the fact that I really enjoyed my time at Forest."