Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has heaped praise on Dwight Yorke for the example he's shown to the club's young players.

"It's refreshing to see Dwight as fit as he is, covering the ground he covered for us, showing the young lads how it's done," he said. "His commitment last season was colossal. With that, Roy Keane and the new signings, we hope we'll bring that enthusiasm to the Premiership.

"I suppose what will give me the greatest satisfaction this year is seeing a player wanting to get to the ball first, wanting to make that tackle, sticking his chest out and lifting this crowd. Whether it was Kevin Ball or Grant Leadbitter last year, there's something about conviction that lifts Sunderland fans and their reaction in turn lifts the team.

"No matter how skilful and graceful the players we sign are, it's that commitment to the team that's so vital. The great thing is that I see it here. I can't say what our results will be, but that will give me the greatest satisfaction, Sunderland being in the Premiership and people saying, 'Aren't they something this time'."