Sunderland boss David Moyes is delighted with the form of Lamine Kone.

Everton's interest proved a major summer distraction, but Moyes says he refocused after penning a new deal.

Moyes told the Sunderland Echo: “I think it was after he signed, I just think his performances were maybe not as good as what people told me they were last season. We need him, because if we are going to have any chance [of staying up] we are going to need him.

“Whoever the centre-halves are going to be, we need them if we are to have any chance of survival."