Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is relaxed over talk of Alan Curbishley replacing him as Black Cats manager. The former Charlton and West Ham boss has been linked with possibly taking over at the Stadium of Light.

"It is not a distraction," Sbragia told Sky Sports News. "It is media speculation so I can't do an awful lot about that.

"I speak to Niall (Quinn) daily and we are looking ahead and we are planning ahead.

"I think he's dismissed it. I think it is just speculation and the biggest thing in my mind is just the Hull game.

"We are looking ahead at the fact that we are going to be in the Premiership (next season).

"We have looked ahead regarding the players in general and the scouting side and staffing side.

"All we have to do now is produce it on the field and get the points that are required and get them as soon as possible.

"We know it's going to be difficult, but we can only give our all and that's all I am asking from the players."