Sunderland reserves coach Kevin Ball has hailed the management of Martin O'Neill.

Ball says O'Neill has the club hopping thanks to his approach.

He told the Sunday Sun: "I have really enjoyed watching the way the manager goes about his business since he got here. It's been interesting to say the least.

"His enthusiasm is brilliant. I've never seen anything like it. I don't just mean about football because it's his enthusiasm for other people that is so impressive.

"If we have a quiz in the refectory, he won't go in with his first-team people, he will join the support staff in a team and handles all of that brilliantly.

"The manager makes everyone feel important and that is a real skill. It's why we are such a happy ship."