Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson is confident he has a big place in manager Paolo di Canio's plans.

Larsson says he has also been helped by Di Canio's blueprint for Sunderland, with the head coach keen to implement a more attractive style for the Black Cats.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I'd definitely say I know the position better now.

"And with the way we're going to be trying to play football next season, I think that will suit me a lot more too.

"I give 100 per cent whenever I can, but I'm maybe not that ball winner when you're defending for a whole game and having to win headers and stuff.

"I like to be able to get the ball under control and play it a bit more.

"But that's going to be very easy next season because that's what the boss wants us to do."