Sunderland captain Lorik Cana says it will take the club time to establish itself as a top ten regular.

However, Cana is convinced they're on the right track after this season's efforts.

He told The Journal: "In this league, nobody can make big steps forward quickly.

"If you look at the top eight in this division, they are very, very strong.

"The top four are among the top teams in the world, and the next four - Tottenham, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Everton - are strong European teams.

"If they were playing in any other European league, except for maybe Spain, I am pretty sure they would be challenging for the title. If they were in France, Germany, Holland or Italy, they would have a chance of being champions.

"It is really hard to get into the top eight in your first year.

"If we can build a team which can be competing just behind these places next season, that will be a really good thing.

"Then after that, maybe you can do more and really get in among them."