Danny Collins admits he was "gutted" to be dropped for Sunderland's defeat at Aston Villa.

"I was gutted to be left out," he admitted. "I picked up man of the match (award) against Tottenham (in the previous league game) and then we lost the Man City game. I just got on with it, trained hard and took the chance that came my way when an injury came up.

"That's what the gaffer will expect from all of us this season. I enjoyed playing alongside Anton - it was definitely good to be back. The squad is so big and good that no one can have a bad game really. Hopefully that will get us all moving up a level."