Dick Advocaat says he's excited by the challenge of keeping Sunderland up.

The Dutchman has replaced Gus Poyet at Sunderland after the Uruguayan's sacking on Monday.

"What have I got to lose? Nothing," Advocaat told NIS. "I think it's great fun to do this and the salary that I've read, it's not true at all. That was not important to me."

He continued: "I had thought that they would do it (sack Poyet) earlier, but they did not.

"Poyet was a coach who is very self-focused. They're looking for someone with experience, who knows what's on the line."