Sunderland's Grant Leadbitter is keen to help push the club up the Premier League table and not be involved in an annual relegation battle.

The 23-year old also praised manager Ricky Sbragia, saying he was the man to lead the Black Cats to bigger and better things.

"We all want to stay in this league," he said.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world and everyone wants to play in it.

"Everyone wants to stay in the league, not just for ourselves and the club, but also for Ricky.

"We want to stay in the Premier League and then push on next season and make sure we are not fighting relegation again.

"He (Sbragia) is a man-manager and he makes you want to be the best player that you can be.

"He is popular in the dressing room and we all want him to succeed."