Sunderland captain John O'Shea praised Danny Graham after their 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

O'Shea is ready for a test of character ahead of the last two games of the season as the relegation battle intensifies.

"We have to make sure we focus on Southampton now. It's a massive game at home (on Sunday) and we have one or two knocks and suspensions again so we will have to dust ourselves down and go again," O'Shea told Sky Sports 1.

"The manager spoke at half-time about how positive we were for the last 20 minutes of the first half and carrying that forward.

"(Injuries and suspensions are) the test of character we have to have in the squad. It gives a chance to some of the younger lads to get experience.

"We dust ourselves down. If Danny Graham keeps working as hard as he did tonight on Sunday he will get his rewards."