John O'Shea has indicated that he would welcome Fabio Borini back to Sunderland.

The 24-year-old Italian striker had a successful loan with the Black Cats in 2013/14 before rejecting a permanent move to the Stadium of Light that summer.

Borini, who opted to head back to Anfield to break into the first team, is now being linked with a possible return to Wearside which has been opposed by some sections of Sunderland fans.

However, captain O'Shea has hinted that it would be a positive move by the club to bring him back such is the player the former Chelsea and Swansea City man is.

"I know the type of character he is - and obviously you saw it yourself on the pitch, how he plays - he is so positive, so in Fabio's mind, he was going back to Liverpool to play, to break in," he said on BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Obviously it didn't go to plan for him, so now he's got another step in his career to make."