Kieran Richardson has backed Sunderland's deal for ex-Manchester United teammate Quinton Fortune.

Richardson, who trained with his former team-mate again yesterday, said: "He's been at the highest level and you can't take that away from him. He's experienced, you can see that in training.

"If the gaffer brings in a player with experience that's good for us because at this time we need everyone we can get to get out of the position we're in.

"I played with him a few times a few years ago in the reserves for Manchester United. It's always good to have a new face in the team. Sometimes you need a bit of freshening up, to be honest.

"I'm sure the players here, especially me, would love to see players coming in. The more players the better for Sunderland. Hopefully the players that come in can help Sunderland to progress and stay in the Premier League."