Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is confident of turning things around on Wearside.

Bruce believes the foundations are in place and insists he has not had to reassure his players of that after a less than impressive start.

He said: "I think they know. I only think we have played badly once, which was Norwich.

"In the games we have played, we have shown a bit of character and something about us.

"We gave a great account of ourselves at Anfield, we did well at the Emirates, we did very well at Old Trafford, where we could have picked up something.

"But the way we have played has encouraged me to say we are not far short. It will take a little bit of time."