Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says new manager Paolo di Canio is driving greater spirit within the squad.

Ahead of Sunday's huge derby with Newcastle, Belgian stopper Mignolet says the focus has been on doing things as a group - and not as individuals.

Mignolet said: "He wants us to be all together as a unit, so if we go out on to the training pitch, he wants us to go out all together.

"If we eat, he wants us to eat all together and I think that's a good thing. It's similar to what I know with the Belgian national team.

"He wants us to do everything together, just the same as his tactical work he does on the pitch.

"He wants us to move as a group - as a unit - and he wants us to win games not by individuals, but as a whole team."