Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn can see many of their young players improving next season.

He said: "We've got some players with a lot of promise and potential and I think Steve (Bruce) will make men out of them. We will shuffle the deck this summer, but we haven't started a major clearout.

"Player selection is down to Steve, but we're confident we will keep all of our best players. If our players have anything about them, they will want to stay at Sunderland and be a part of what is happening here.

"This is an opportunity for them to take another big step forward in their careers under Steve Bruce.

"For those who are on the fringes of the national squad - Anton Ferdinand and Kieran Richardson - they should be looking at becoming full internationals next season.

"They are two players who will really get the bit between the teeth and Steve will be great for their careers. Let's see where it will go."