Defender John O'Shea believes Sunderland recruited well in January, with fresh faces having settled quickly in new surroundings. Black Cats boss Gus Poyet was able to make five additions to his squad, with Liam Bridcutt, Marcos Alonso, Oscar Ustari, Santiago Vergini and Ignacio Scocco drafted in to the Stadium of Light.
He told the Echo: "The manager knew all about the players he brought in in January.
"That was an important thing for him. He wanted players who could settle in quickly because of the position we're in.
"We needed to add quality to the squad too, to increase the competition, and I think he's done that.
"If you have competition that will always be the key to a successful team."
