Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn sees manager Ricky Sbragia a long-term prospect.

He told SAFC-TV: "Everyone is thrilled with the way it's working out.

"Ricky has put his own stamp on it, he's working hard and he has a great approach to the job. Results have been good and the team are playing better.

"Ricky has signed a kind of halfway house contract, 18 months, to give him a feel of it, for both sides to be happy with where we are going.

"But I would envisage him being here a lot longer."