Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole believes that Dick Advocaat is the perfect manager to lead the Black Cats in their relegation battle.

Sunderland have taken seven points from the Dutch manager's first five matches but the club is still languishing in the relegation zone.

Saturday's 2-1 win over Southampton at home was a massive relief for the struggling Wearsiders, prompting Cattermole to suggest that Advocaat has a massive influence and is expecting the boss to lead them out of the mire.

"He's very calm, very composed and very experienced," Cattermole revealed.

"He's probably just what we need right now because he's got such belief in the way he does things. Everywhere he's been, it's worked, and it's beginning to work here now.

"The lads are hanging on his every word and following him in the direction he wants to take us. Anyone who has watched us these past two weeks will see we have been really positive, on the front foot, aggressive and hard. It's not been pretty at times but we have looked as if we could get the job done."

Sunderland, who are one point behind 17th-placed Hull City with a game in hand, next play Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.