Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has paid tribute to chairman Niall Quinn over their successful start to the season.

Summer signings Lorik Cana, Darren Bent, John Mensah and Paulo da Silva have all shone this term.

Bruce said: "I would have taken this at the start of the season. Thankfully, the lads I have brought in have hit the ground running, and all made major contributions but make no mistake, I have inherited some good players.

"There is a bit of belief and the boys I have brought in have certainly helped the cause.

"This is a fantastic football club and it's a delight to be here. I have not had to change a thing and as a manger you want to play in front of a big crowd, to build a team the fans can associate with.

"If anyone has a better chairman than Niall, I don't know, I am very lucky in that respect."