Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner expects a tough preseason under manager Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill is entering his first pre-season as Sunderland boss and Gardner is familiar with his training techniques having worked with the Northern Irishman at Aston Villa.

"Martin is fair but we will work hard," the midfielder told safc.com.

"The harder we work, the easier it will be during the season. In the Premier League you need to be at your peak and fit at all times.

"Martin and his staff will get that out of us."