Dick Advocaat has rated the Sunderland job as one of the biggest challenges he has faced in his managerial career.

The former Zenit Saint Petersburg and Rangers boss took over at the Stadium of Light when replacing Gus Poyet in May and has guided the Black Cats away from the relegation zone by securing 12 points in eight matches.

Dutchman Advocaat has faced some enormous tests in his management days but rates the Sunderland escape as one of the most important.

"It was one of the bigger challenges (of my career) because there was only nine games," he told Sky Sports News HQ.

"You have to get to know everybody and that's difficult with five away games including Arsenal and Chelsea. But I was desperate to do the job and if you give 100 percent, then all the players and the people around the club can achieve these kind of things as well."

Sunderland complete the 2014/15 Premier League season with a trip to champions Chelsea on Sunday.