Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has slammed comments made by Hull City boss Phil Brown and admitted they came as motivation in the win over the Tigers at the Stadium of Light.

Brown said that some of Sunderland's players weren't living up to expectations among other things but Sbragia said that it would be wise for the Hull boss to concentrate on his own team.

"Motivation-wise it wasn't a problem because we just put the stuff on the walls what Phil Brown said about Sunderland Football Club," said Sbragia.

"I think a manager should just talk about his own club rather than criticising other clubs and what they've paid for players.

"I didn't have to chat with them, I just told them there was some good reading for them in the dressing room.

"I think the players have been excellent. I don't think they've under-achieved. It doesn't matter if they cost £10million or £1million - they go out there and give their all."