Sunderland hero Bryan 'Pop' Robson is backing new manager Sam Allardyce to keep them up.

Allardyce was named new manager yesterday.

“Sam Allardyce is a very good appointment," said Robson to the Evening Chronicle, who was a team-mate of Allardyce in the latter's only season as a player at Roker Park in 1980-81.

“If anyone can keep Sunderland in the Premier League, Big Sam can.

“Sunderland are in a very difficult situation, but Sam has got the Premier League experience to get the best out of that squad and I think he can keep them in the top flight."