Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill believes Titus Bramble helped smooth Danny Graham's move from Swansea City last week.

It was Bramble who blocked Graham's goalbound winner for Swans barely 48 hours before the Geordie made the move to Sunderland.

Asked whether the move hinged on that moment, O'Neill smiled: "It would have made it awkward!

"First of all, I was just hoping we could get a block on the shot and I was delighted the chance came and went and we did not lose the game so late on.

"However, it was a relief as far as signing Danny was concerned, too."