Former Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he's thrilled to be back in football at Sunderland.

He admits he had no intention of staying away from the game for so long, but is relishing the chance to re-acquaint himself with it.

Asked if he has missed football, he said: "Yes, very much so. I hadn't thought about it, but to be out for about 16 months is not something I had envisaged at the time. The last thing I wanted to do was get lazy.

"But I am back here and I couldn't emphasise enough, back with enthusiasm and determination and ready to put heart and soul into the job.

"It's a really exciting job, really exciting. I am privileged to be here and absolutely delighted to be here.

"I know sometimes you look and you think, 'Does he look really excited?'. Let me tell you, I am, I am really excited about it.

"I have got enthusiasm for it - I have got enthusiasm for about 15 people, I think - and hopefully I have got enough determination to see it through."