As the transfer deadline days draws ever closer, we look at the deals Sunderland and Paolo Di Canio have made so far this summer
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio promised he would make changes to his squad over the summer, after a season which saw the Wearsiders narrowly avoid relegation in to the Championship.
True to his word, the Italian has (to date) made 11 signings and got rid of players he deems not fit for purpose.
Already Di Canio has overhauled his squad and bolstered it with some international household names, and a scattering of names unknown to most English football fans.
Ahead of the transfer deadline day we look back at the deals Sunderland and PDC have already made this summer.
Sunderland turn to Toulouse for want-away Senegalese left-back
Toulouse are resigned to losing the player with his contract up at the end of the season, meaning Sunderland will compete with Rennes for his signature.
Sunderland could soon add Cheikh M’Bengue to their ranks, as Paolo di Canio chases the Toulouse left-back.
There is no doubt that the Italian has done remarkably good business in the transfer marker so far this summer, bringing in full internationals Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini to strengthen their attack, but now it seems that Sunderlands troubles lie in a weak defence.
The Black Cats have only managed a loss and a draw in their opening two Premier League fixtures. Di Canio’s men have conceded two goals from set pieces to rob them of results, so it is clear where the need to strengthen lies.
In fact, the side are currently without a true left-back of any sort. Danny Rose enjoyed a successful loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur at the Stadium of Light last season, but di Canio has failed to bring in a replacement since.
Sunderland will face competition from Rennes for M’Bengue, but fans should feel confident that the Premier League side’s financial power will be enough to come out tops in the tug-of-war for the player.
M’Bengue is was born and raised in Toulouse, and has been on the club’s books since he signed on for the youth academy in 1996 at just eight years of age. He has since gone on to play 137 Ligue 1 games for Le Tef.
Despite his French origins, M’Bengue declared for Senegal in 2011, for whom he has made ten international appearances.
M’Bengue’s contract is set to expire next summer and, with the player already declaring he wishes to leave, Toulouse would be foolish not to cash in on the player while they still can.
Connor Wickham rescues Paolo Di Canio for Sunderland
CONNOR WICKHAM scored a double as Sunderland capped an amazing comeback last night.
With the MK Dons leading 2-0 and poised for victory, Jozy Altidore got them back on track with their first goal after 78 minutes.
Then Wickham came off the bench to produced a brace within two minutes to put the Premier League club ahead. Adam Johnson added a fourth in the dying minutes.
Both sides made half a dozen changes, and it was the League One side who were first into their stride, stunning their Premier League hosts by taking a seventh-minute lead.
It came from a mistake from forward Ji Dong-Won, who lost the ball inside his own half, allowing Dele Alli to feed Patrick Bamford on the edge of the Sunderland area.
Teen midfielder Bamford had time and space to turn before firing a low, swerving 20-yard shot into the bottom corner past a static Vito Mannone in the Sunderland goal for a shock lead.
It almost got worse for Paolo Di Canio’s stunned troops when Mannone – one of two players making his Sunderland debut – was forced into a stunning save low to his left to prevent Cabral from an embarrassing own-goal, when the recalled midfielder inadvertently glanced Stephen Gleeson’s free-kick towards the bottom corner.
Altidore fired a long-range free-kick straight at Dons keeper Ian McLoughlin, but it was a rare Sunderland raid and Karl Robinson’s slick-passing side should have doubled their lead in the 20th minute.
Bamford and Alan Smith linked up well in midfield for the former Newcastle man to release Izale McLeod through on goal.
The big striker had the pace to hold off back-tracking defender Jack Colback, but screwed his low shot inches wide past a stranded Mannone to Sunderland’s relief.
David Moberg-Karlsson shot narrowly over on the turn on his debut as the Swedish teenager caught the eye, but he did not have much competition from his Black Cats team-mates, who were second-best for most of a low-key first 45 minutes that had Di Canio sending out his substitutes to warm up long before the half-time whistle.
Sunderland were almost level in first-half stoppage-time. Altidore was denied by the inside of the post when he latched on to Colback’s pass to send a curling 25-yarder from the edge of the area beat McLoughlin, only to bounce back off the upright.
The lurking Moberg-Karlsson should have put the rebound away, but gently lobbed the ball to a relieved Dons keeper at the second attempt.
Sunderland were almost caught cold by a sucker-punch straight after the restart, thanks to more good work by Bamford.
The teenager surged past two defenders into the Black Cats’ box to provide a tempting cut-back for Gleeson, whose angled drive from 18 yards flew just over with Mannone struggling to cover.
The Wearsiders failed to heed the warning, as the Dons took a crucial two-goal lead 10 minutes after the break.
Sunderland surrendered possession on halfway, allowing Samir Carruthers to free McLeod, who made no mistake this time as he sped through to find the net with a cheeky chip over Mannone.
Sunderland had chances to fight their way back after McLeod’s all important second goal.
McLoughlin did well to save low down to his right to deny Moberg-Karlsson and, seconds later, Wickham should have pulled one back from Colback’s cross, only to sky his effort from inside the six-yard box.
Sunderland legend Niall Quinn in line for Freedom of the City
SUNDERLAND legend Niall Quinn is in line to be given the keys to the city.
Sunderland City Council leaders are to discuss honouring the former Sunderland player, manager and chairman the Freedom of the City.
Joël Batteux, the Mayor of Sunderland’s twin-town St Nazaire, is also in line for the honour. Sunderland’s ruling cabinet will discuss the plans next week.
Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “Here are two notable individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Sunderland and life in our city.
“I am looking forward to next Wednesday’s meeting and recommending that we agree this at Cabinet.
“Subject to cabinet, the proposals formally seal the relationships between the nominees and the City of Sunderland and would recognise their contributions to the well being and community spirit of the city.
“The proposal will also further strengthen the relationship between the city and its twin town St Nazaire.”
Monsieur Batteux participated in one of the very first school exchange visits to Sunderland as a teenager in the late 1950s, spending a week at Bede School.
As well as supporting the direct international partnership that Saint-Nazaire shares with Sunderland, Monsieur Batteux’s commitment to Anglo-French relations has included significant work with British veterans.
He was awarded the Order of the British Empire on behalf of Saint-Nazaire by the then-British Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Westmacott, in Paris in 2008.
Sunderland’s then Deputy Mayor Councillor Dennis Richardson was delighted to represent the city on this occasion and hear Sir Peter praise ‘the exceptional relations that Saint-Nazaire has with Great Britain’.
Distinguished Irish international and former Sunderland AFC player Mr Quinn broke with tradition in 2002. He donated all proceeds from his testimonial game to charities including children’s hospitals in Sunderland, Dublin and India.
He was made an honorary MBE in 2003 and after retiring became chairman of the club and helped spearhead the growth of Sunderland AFC’s global profile as its head of international development. He stood down from the club in 2012 to further his business interests and spend time with his family. He is now a regular commentator on Sky Sports.
Subject to Cabinet, it would be only the fourth time that individuals have been conferred with freedoms since Sunderland gained city status 21 years ago.
Monday 11 November has been provisionally lined up as the date for the freedoms to be conferred.
In 2006, Dr Ram Bannerjee, Sir Tom Cowie and Denise Robertson were granted their freedoms, and in 2007 Lord Puttnam of Queensgate CBE.
In 2011, former councillor Mr John Mawston, Sir Bob Murray CBE and Sir Peter Vardy were made freemen for the significant contributions they have made to the city.
Other freedoms of Sunderland include television reporter Kate Adie, 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, 3 Rifles and the crew of HMS Ocean.
Liverpool Consider Surprise £11m Bid For Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson
Reds eye up England international after missing out on prime targets.
Liverpool could be set to make a surprise bid to Sunderland for former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, CaughtOffside understands.
The 26-year-old is seen as a decent option on the flanks for Liverpool after the sale of Stewart Downing to West Ham and Oussama Assaidi’s season-long loan move to Stoke City.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been keen to add quality in the wide areas for much of this summer, but has so far missed out on the likes of Willian and Scott Sinclair, whilst seemingly not making any progress in the chase for Porto’s Christian Atsu.
After successfully reviving Daniel Sturridge’s career since signing him from Chelsea in January, Rodgers is confident that he can help Johnson regain the fine form he showed at points during his Manchester City career, which saw him become an England regular.
The former Middlesbrough youngster joined City in 2010 as one of the brightest prospects in the country, and seemed to adapt quickly to life in the Premier League, looking a lively and exciting player and fitting in well among the many big-money signings made by City during this period.
However, with former City manager Roberto Mancini continuing to splash the cash, Johnson’s place in the side became increasingly under threat, and a slight dip in performances saw him moved on to Sunderland last summer for around £10million.
Although Johnson is one of the most naturally gifted English players, he has continued to struggle to reach his best form in a Sunderland side that fought against relegation for much of last season, and although better things are expected of them this time round under new manager Paolo Di Canio, the Stadium of Light is arguably not the best stage for the winger to display his true potential.
Liverpool are expected to try their luck with an offer of £11million, and may bid higher if Sunderland are reluctant to sell. With much of Liverpool’s game under Rodgers based around skillful and technical players, Johnson could prove a useful addition to their squad as they look to mount a strong challenge for a top four place this year.
Some Liverpool fans may worry that the signing of Johnson could be an echo of the club’s recent failure in bringing in English talent, with the likes of big signings Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson all failing to cope with making the move to Anfield.
However, Johnson’s ability to play right or left should give him plenty of opportunities to impress, and this could be the ideal move for him to get back to his best and put himself back in contention for an England place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Paolo Di Canio did not know whether to laugh or cry after seeing Sunderland stage a dramatic fightback to book their place in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
The Black Cats were hurtling out of the competition at the hands of League One MK Dons when they finally slipped into top gear with just 12 minutes of normal time remaining to drag themselves back from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Di Canio said: "It was very bad, but I know also it is easy to play badly in this game. Unfortunately, it happens even to the top clubs who play with the top players in this league.
"It's something that have thought for many years, why do top teams in the cup in England have to go out easily against League One and League Two sides? I don't understand.
"But I understand [now]. I was worried, and I was right, but I took something really good from the last 15 minutes, the ambition, the desire, the pride and the goals that we scored in style.
"I am very, very happy for 15 minutes; I am very, very angry for 75, so the balance is not very good."
Sunderland looked to be dead and buried after MK Dons took the game by the scruff of the neck and established a 2-0 lead within 55 minutes.
Neither Patrick Bamford's seventh-minute opener nor Izale McLeod's cool strike 10 minutes of the restart came against the run of play with the Black Cats distinctly second-best.
By that point, the cavalry had arrived in the shape of substitute Connor Wickham, although the visitors had negotiated their way to within 12 minutes of the final whistle before their defences were finally breached.
It was Jozy Altidore who sparked the fightback, running on to Wickham's through-ball to claim his first goal in English football, but it was the former Ipswich striker who broke MK Dons hearts with a quick-fire double inside the last four minutes with Adam Johnson completing the job in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Napoli have secured talented left winger Lorenzo Insigne to a new five-year deal, putting an end to the interest shown in him by Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, Sky Sports reports.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis announced on his Twitter account that the 22-year-old had put pen to paper on a new deal that will keep him at the San Paolo until 2018.
He tweeted: “This morning I met Lorenzo Insigne and we extended the contract for five years. Since this season Lorenzo will earn 700,000 Euros plus bonus.
“I wish ‘Lorenzinho’ a great career in Napoli.”
The news will come as a blow to Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio, though, as he had been hoping to bring the player to the Stadium of Light this summer as a major part of his rebuilding process. However, Insigne will now continue his fledgling career with his home town team.
Insigne came through the Napoli youth system and has made 38 appearances since gaining a regular first team place in 2012, scoring five goals.
His impressive performances for Napoli has already seen him bag two caps for the Azzuri and he can now concentrate on impressing new boss Rafa Benitez.
Premier League Preview: Crystal Palace v Sunderland
Crystal Palace and Sunderland will both look for their first win of the Premier League season when they meet at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Palace - who beat Watford in last season's Championship play-off final - have made a poor start to life in the top flight, losing both of their fixtures to Tottenham and Stoke City respectively.
Last week's defeat to Stoke was particularly disappointing for manager Ian Holloway, given they held a half-time lead, but Palace's defensive frailties were exposed after the break.
Holloway still feels he is short of the requirements needed to survive in the Premier League and a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Bristol City on Tuesday will have reinforced his thoughts on the club's squad.
The former Blackpool boss revealed on Thursday that he was holding talks with veteran defender William Gallas and Reading winger Jimmy Kebe, as he looks to bring in more players ahead of the transfer deadline on September 2.
Palace have been relegated in their last four top-flight seasons and Holloway will be hopeful his side can belatedly get their campaign going with a home win.
Jerome Thomas (ankle) could return for the match, but fellow winger Yannick Bolasie (hamstring) is sidelined for the foreseeable future, as is Jonathan Parr (ankle).
Glenn Murray (knee) and Patrick McCarthy (groin) are not expected to return soon either.
Sunderland have also started slowly in the Premier League, slumping to a 1-0 home defeat against Fulham on the opening day.
But they responded in a 1-1 draw at Southampton on Saturday and manager Paolo Di Canio will hope their 4-2 League Cup win over Milton Keynes Dons on Tuesday can spark their season into life.
Sunderland were on the verge of an embarrassing exit to the League One side, trailing 2-0 with just 12 minutes to go at The Stadium of Light.
But a late double from Connor Wickham, and further goals from Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson, sealed their progression.
Sunderland duo Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown (both knee) could return for the match but, out-of-favour defender Phil Bardsley (foot) is sidelined indefinitely.
However, Di Canio has confirmed that striker Steven Fletcher will travel with the squad.
Fletcher injured his ankle on international duty for Scotland in March and has not featured for Sunderland since. He scored 11 Premier League goals in 28 appearances last season.
Palace and Sunderland have never played each other in the Premier League, with their last top-flight meeting coming in March 1991, a fixture Sunderland won 2-1.
The two sides have met on 10 occasions since, with Sunderland winning five of them.
David Jones considers Crystal Palace's Premier League clash with Sunderland
Sunderland's season sparked to life 78 minutes into their Capital One Cup tie with MK Dons on Tuesday night.
That was the moment Jozy Altidore grabbed his first goal in the red and white stripes - swiftly followed by three more from gleeful team-mates eager to avoid an early cup exit.
It was a happy conclusion to what could have been a miserable night on Wearside and it means Paolo Di Canio's side now head to Selhurst Park on Saturday in upbeat mood - particularly after holding on for a first point at St Mary's seven days earlier.
For Crystal Palace, the cup dealt different cards.
Losing away to League One opposition having changed your entire team is no disaster, but given Bristol City welcomed Palace without a win so far suggests the evening did not go entirely to plan.
So here we are, two weeks into the season and Ian Holloway already has a job on his hands to lift spirits at Selhurst.
Scrap
But any despondency that may creep into the always raucous terraces this weekend would be swiftly banished by victory over Sunderland.
And history is in their favour.
"Beating teams in your mini-league is paramount."
David Jones
David Kelly was the last man to score a league winner for Sunderland in South East London - 18 years ago - and since then the Black Cats have contrived various ways to lose; from having their goalkeeper sent off, to shipping last-minute winners.
According to bookmakers, these two teams will be scrapping it out for survival in eight months time and much could depend on games like these.
Sunderland took six points off relegated Wigan last season and finished three points above them: beating teams in your mini-league is paramount.
Desperate
But it's hard to see what pattern this game will take.
Sunderland dominated Fulham and lost but were outplayed by Southampton and drew.
Palace scrapped against Spurs without reward but were let down by defensive mistakes at Stoke when their play warranted more.
Both sides will be desperate for their first Premier League win of the campaign and both managers will kick every ball from their technical areas.
And if all else fails, touchline cam will keep us entertained!
Sunderland are facing a battle with French side Rennes for Toulouse’s Cheick M’Bengue, according to talkSPORT.
The 25-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of the season and Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio is eager to continue strengthening his squad ahead of the transfer deadline next week, having already signed 11 new faces at the Stadium of Light this summer.
But Rennes are also in the market for a left-back and Sunderland face a battle to persuade the defender to switch France for the Premier League.
The Senegal international, who switched allegiance from France U-21s to Senegal in 2011, has spent 17 years with Toulouse and it is thought he would prefer to remain in Ligue 1.
M’Bengue has twice been at the centre of controversy in France. He was banned for 13 matches by the French Football Federation in 2007 after seriously injuring a Monaco player when playing in the Championnat de France amateur league, which is the French reserve league.
Just two years later the defender was banned for almost three months after another serious challenge, this time against Monaco’s Alejandro Alonso when playing in Ligue 1.
M’Bengue has made over 130 appearances for Toulouse since breaking in to the first-team in 2007, scoring two goals, and he has represented Senegal on 10 occasions.
Paolo Di Canio says Steven Fletcher will travel with the Sunderland squad this weekend.
The Black Cats face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday and Fletcher is again set to be included after being named as an unused substitute for the midweek win over MK Dons.
Fletcher missed out on Sunderland’s pre-season after sustaining an injury in March which required surgery.
But the striker is now back in training after working hard on his rehabilitation over the summer and Di Canio will leave it late before making a decision on his status.
“He is obviously part of the squad,” Di Canio said. “If I brought him with us on Tuesday that means he is available to travel with us also for the next game.
“Steven will join the rest of his team-mates on the trip and then I will decide if I will play him, but he will be with the group.”
Di Canio added: “He is an important player and joined us in full training just 10 days ago. For 25 days we were abroad during the pre-season and he couldn’t go, so it’s obvious he needs to practice.
“With the fitness level and the belief he has he can stay with the group and maybe have a part in the game.”
Everton are reportedly set to rival Sunderland in the race to sign Lazio's Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Reports in Italy suggest that the Biancocelesti are ready to sell the 27-year-old in order to raise funds for Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz. Ederson only moved to the Stadio Olimpico last summer after spending seven years in France with Nice and then Lyon. However, he struggled to dislodge fellow Brazilian Hernanes and also Antonio Candreva in the Lazio midfield for much of the campaign. As a result, boss Vladimir Petkovic may be prepared to let the player go in order to raise vital transfer funds. The report states that Everton and Sunderland have showed tentative interest in the €5million-rated player this summer but could now step up their efforts to sign him now Lazio appear willing to sell. Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is keen to add to his squad before the transfer deadline though much will depend on the futures of Manchester-targets Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines.
Midweek hero Wickham ready to fill breach for Sunderland at Crystal Palace
IN-FORM Connor Wickham could be the biggest beneficiary of Stephane Sessegnon’s midweek misfortunes, with the England Under-21 man likely to start at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Sessegnon was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving on Tuesday night at roughly the same time Wickham was scoring two goals and providing an assist for another, in the 4-2 Capital One Cup win over MK Dons.
And while the exact nature of Tuesday night’s off-field incident has yet to be clarified, Sessegnon has not travelled with the squad today amid rumours he might be rapidly sold on.
That will leave Di Canio to consider his options up front tomorrow.
With Ji Dong-won having had a stinker against the Dons, and Steven Fletcher not yet 100 per cent fit, that is expected to leave the door open for Wickham to continue his partnership up front with Jozy Altidore.
Di Canio was pleased with the England Under-21 frontman’s display as a second-half substitute in midweek.
“We did a fantastic job to score four goals, especially the two from Connor,” said the Italian.
“And it was good for him because he also did well when he came on as a substitute against Southampton last weekend.
“I know now that we have, in Connor, a player who will push and push for a first-team start.”
While Wickham is likely to get the nod this weekend, Di Canio is also buoyed by the fact main striker Fletcher’s first-team return is imminent.
The Scotland international was an unused sub in the cup game – his first appearance on Sunderland’s team sheet in five months after ankle ligament damage sustained on international duty back in March.
And the Italian noted: “We have Fletcher back, which is very good, and that means I have different options up front.
“Fletcher was on the bench against MK Dons and it might not be for another couple of weeks before he is ready to play properly, but it does not mean he will not travel with us this weekend.
“He trained hard after the game on Tuesday and again on Wednesday and Thursday, so he will come with us to Crystal Palace.”
Rowell Report: Fitness a major factor in Sunderland’s cup progress
WHAT AN unbelievable night of cup football we had on Tuesday at the Stadium of Light.
If we are talking about the last 15 minutes, then we had it all – goals, excitement, sheer drama and a comeback that puts us into the next round of the Capital One Cup.
Unfortunately, to get there, we had to endure the first 75 minutes which were riddled with errors, dull and at times inept.
Sunderland at the moment are a team posing more questions than giving answers.
Are we the team who for long periods were outplayed by a team two divisions below us?
Or are we the team who finally clicked into gear, got some momentum and then blew MK Dons away? Who knows?
At the moment, the old cliché of being a work in progress certainly applies to Sunderland.
Individually, Jozy Altidore and Connor Wickham got off the mark for the season and that is so important for strikers, giving them more confidence and putting them in a far more positive frame of mind.
Adam Johnson also scored and it was my personal favourite of the night after a lung-bursting run.
I’m still not quite sure how he squeezed it in from that angle!
It seems to be the Sunderland way that we don’t deal well with teams from lower divisions in the early rounds of the cup.
But at least this time we got through, even if we did it the hard way.
Maybe we saw for the first time the rewards of Paolo Di Canio’s new training and fitness regime, as we definitely were the stronger team in the closing stages and that could have been a big factor in the win and progress into the next round.
Sunderland winger Johnson pleads for patience with Di Canio's new-look team
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson says Paolo Di Canio's new signings will need time to adapt to the Barclays Premier League, but he would still welcome even more by the close of business on Monday.
Di Canio has signed a whole team of players since rescuing the club from the drop last season and brought the majority of them in to embrace his methods and the physical demands he perceives necessary to compete.
While bringing improved performances against Fulham and Southampton, the new-look Sunderland have just one point for their efforts ahead of Saturday's trip to Crystal Palace.
They also toiled for 75 minutes against League One MK Dons on Tuesday, before three goals in 11 breathless and very encouraging minutes earned them a third round tie at home to Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United.
Johnson scored the fourth late in added time, with a brilliant solo run from near halfway and an unstoppable drilled near post finish. But like old and new team-mates, his midweek performance was nervy, frustrating and, at least in his case, eventually brilliant.
The England international, still hoping to meet Roy Hodgson's World Cup requirements, is one of the inherited players to witness, and be very much a part of Di Canio's revolution.
And as an experienced Premier League regular, the former Manchester City and Middlesbrough man knows the new additions need time, and patience, to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League, not to mention their manager and Sunderland supporters.
Di Canio has not ruled out more signings before the transfer window closes – and the last three games have demonstrated his need for a creative central midfielder – which Johnson believes can only benefit the squad in the long term.
He said: 'It's tough for us at the moment. We've got a lot of new players, they've come in and we've had a lot of new starters who might take time.
'We should have three points on the board. We gave away a sloppy goal against Southampton and we struggled on Tuesday but we're in the next round of the League Cup so we've got to look on the positive side.
'We've got a good game against Crystal Palace on Saturday: it'll be tough but we've got to look forward to going there and trying to get the three points.
'Sometimes the window is good because you can strengthen your squad. Obviously I don't know what is going to happen here but the manager says he is looking to bring in even more new players and that could be a real plus point for us. The fans will be looking forward to that as well.
'We need the bodies for competition for places and that's always a good thing. When it is out the way everything can maybe settle down, I suppose.'
One additional bonus from the win over MK Dons was the performance, and goals of Connor Wickham.
The England Under 21 international has needed more time than Sunderland can afford with this summer's incumbents.
Fans and managers have persevered, although he has had his ups and downs, and injuries and a lack of opportunities from the start, or the bench, have hindered his progress.
DI Canio has seen something in the £6million investment, making him one of many pet projects destined to accept and learn from his expertise and wisdom, or find a new club.
Wickham has said he wants a place at Selhurst Park on Saturday but it is the talking he did for 40 minutes on Tuesday night which Di Canio will judge him on.
Johnson certainly believes the 20-year-old can play his part for Sunderland this season.
He said: 'He's had a tough time here, especially the last couple of months of last season. He's got through it now. I think he's been excellent for the under-21s and everyone still forgets he's only a young lad.
'He's got bags of potential but he's worked so hard this pre-season to get himself into good shape and to try and get back among the goals.
'I know the manager has worked individually with him as well on different things. That's starting to show now because he was excellent against Southampton.
'He's got everything there - he's big, he's strong and he got his goals on Tuesday. If he can keep that confidence up he can get a lot of goals for us.'
Despite all the new faces that make up the new-look Sunderland starting eleven this term, there has been one survivor from last year’s desperate campaign who has been sorely missed – Steven Fletcher.
The prolific Scottish forward has been side-lined through injury since Di Canio’s arrival having sustained ankle ligament damage whilst on International duty over five months ago.
The Sunderland manager has been keen to play down any suggestion that Fletcher would be returning to the fold any time soon just a week ago;
‘We have to be sensible, we have to be intelligent. In my opinion it’s better to take another week after a few months out. To accelerate him too much now would be very, very stupid.’
However, the tables would appear to have turned as it was suggested on Thursday evening that Fletcher will be part of the Sunderland squad which travels to Selhurst Park on Saturday evening.
One player who may well secretly be disappointed to see Fletcher’s return to the squad ahead of schedule could be fellow forward Connor Wickham.
Indeed Fletcher was named as an un-used substitute for Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash at the Stadium of Light against MK Dons, where the home side overcame a two goal deficit to eventual run out 4-2 winners, and received a rapturous reception from the stands as he warmed up on the sidelines. Very much a sight for sore eyes given the abysmal performance from a pretender to Fletcher’s throne that evening, Ji Dong-Won.
Quite whether or not the returning Fletcher will feature from the start remains to be seen, with Di Canio quoted as saying;
‘Steven will join the rest of his team-mates on the trip and then I will decide if I will play him, but he will be with the group.’
One player who may well secretly be disappointed to see Fletcher’s return to the squad ahead of schedule could be fellow forward Connor Wickham.
While Ji Dong-Won fluffed his lines having been given the nod on Tuesday night, putting in a horror show of a showing, Connor Wickham entered the fray shortly after the break and made the most of his chance with a brace and an assist – very much a catalyst which helped to reverse Sunderland’s fortunes that night.
Talk in the pubs following the game centred around the young England forward’s performance and indeed how he must have surely played his way into the coming weekend’s starting eleven, especially given Stephane Sessegnon’s poor start to the season and indeed reported off-the-field misdemeanours.
That was until Steven Fletcher laced up his boots and returned to the training field.
While it would certainly be harsh on young Wickham, if Fletcher was to usurp him from the side, no-one would begrudge a fully fit Steven Fletcher his spot in the side such is his importance to the side.
Much was made, quite rightly, of Simon Mignolet’s heroics last term which helped to keep Sunderland’s head narrowly above water. However it would be remiss to overlook the importance of Steven Fletcher’s goals before his season was cut short through injury.
Sunderland star Sessegnon out of Palace clash after alleged drink-driving arrest
Stephane Sessegnon will be left out of the Sunderland side to face Crystal Palace tomorrow after his arrest for an alleged drink-driving offence.
The Sunderland midfielder was stopped by police in Newcastle on Tuesday night, just minutes after his team-mates kicked off their Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.
Sessegnon was rested by manager Paolo Di Canio for the cup tie and could now be facing a prolonged lay-off. He will not travel to Selhurst Park tomorrow, leaving Connor Wickham or fit again Scotland international Steven Fletcher to partner Jozy Altidore upfront.
Di Canio says Sessegnon’s brush with the law — he faces a court case in Newcastle next month — will not necessarily close the door on his Sunderland career.
However, Sessegnon could still have played his last game for the club after the Mackems agreed a £5million fee for the forward with Qatari side Al-Jaish.
The Sunderland boss said: ‘It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry. If you arrive a bit late and I fine you, if they become more professional afterwards, then that can be.
‘But if you don’t even think you are wrong, you might say sorry but don’t mean it, then that is different. I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong.
‘It is difficult to give a second chance to somebody who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again. If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then yes there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits.’
Sunderland have signed 11 players – but it’s still been an unsuccessful transfer window because they’re the wrong ones
Now, call me crazy, but Sunderland are on the precipice of a disappointing summer transfer window.
Yes, I know the club were frantically busy early on, bringing in a number of free transfers before moving their attention to the likes of Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini, however, as time runs out in the window, the Black Cats are yet to hit two key transfer targets; left-back and a creative midfielder.
Left-back has been a troublesome position for Sunderland since seemingly the beginning of time itself. Many would argue that the club have yet to replace Michael Gray and how long ago is it now since Micky pulled on a red and white shirt? Oh, and before you ask, no, George McCartney does not count. Not at all. Nope.
A number of targets for this spot were identified before pursuits fell short – must frustratingly with Benjamin Mendy, who looked all set to sign on the dotted line before an 11th-hour bid from Marseille was enough to see the promising Frenchman heading back to his native shores.
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At present there a couple of names in the frame, most notably Juventus’ Paolo De Ceglie and Toulouse’s powerhouse of a fullback, Cheikh M’Bengue. Most talk seems to centre around the Juve man, however each new report seems to conflict the last and any deal is far from certain at this point.
However, perhaps more pressing is Sunderland’s need for a creative presence in the centre of the park.
The Black Cats are no further forward in filling some key positions in the squad than they were in June
Again, many names have been thrown around, as is customary with the usual transfer window speculation. Tom Huddlestone looked for all the while to be the man to fill the void, however a deal for the former Spurs man was deemed too expensive and Huddlestone moved to Hull, much to Steve Bruce’s delight no doubt.
With Huddlestone’s name struck off the lengthy list of targets, Sunderland’s attention turned to Swansea’s Ki Sung-Yeung, whose future with the Welsh side looks in doubt – a loan move may suit both parties but a deal is yet to be completed at present.
Roma’s Michael Bradley was also a name bandied around lately, however the Italian club are seemingly in no rush to sell and have slapped a sizeable price tag on the American’s head, one which will likely deter the Black Cats from any further pursuit.
Zdravko Kuzmanovic of Inter Milan is also reportedly on Sunderland’s radar. A loan move has been mooted with a view to a permanent deal, however Everton’s interest is supposedly holding up any movement here as they have identified the Serbian as a replacement for Marouane Fellaini – but only if Manchester United meet the Merseysiders’ valuation of the permed one.
So, while there are a number of names in contention for a move to the north east, the Black Cats are no further forward in filling some key positions in the squad than they were in June – which is more than a tad concerning both for fans and Paolo Di Canio.
Ki Sung-Yeung set to complete loan move to Sunderland
South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.
It is understood that the Swansea midfielder travelled to the north east on Friday night and is due to undergo a medical on Saturday morning.
Ki would become manager Paolo Di Canio's 12th summer signing with Monday's summer transfer deadline fast approaching.
The 24-year-old started his career at FC Seoul and moved to Europe when Celtic gave him his big chance in January 2010.
He won the Scottish Cup and league during his time at Parkhead, prompting the Swans to invest a then-club-record £5.5million to secure his services in August last year.
However, just 12 months into a three-year deal, he finds himself surplus to requirements at the Liberty Stadium and that has allowed Di Canio to strengthen his central midfield resources.
Sunderland are in action at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening where they will look to impress Ki by building on their midweek cup win over Milton Keynes.
Di Canio's men also drew at Southampton last weekend but know they are in for a tough examination against Ian Holloway's Palace.
Both Holloway and Di Canio are renowned for their passion, and Holloway has struggled to date to fulfil his vow to hold his tongue since his return to the top flight, where he previously enjoyed a colourful spell in charge of Blackpool.
However, Di Canio insists there is far more to his latest adversary.
He said: "I like Ian, I have followed his career because I like to know my colleagues.
"He has experience - Bristol Rovers, Queen's Park Rangers... He has had some defeats in his life, but he has done a fantastic job, in my opinion. The balance is more on his side.
"Sometimes people - it happened to me when I started just two years ago - focus their attention on the passion and the body language, and probably they underestimate his tactical skill.
"He is good, but it is clear also that the players have taken up part of his character.
"I like him. He's a good character with good tactical skill - but obviously I am going to play against him and I hope my team is going to win."
STEPHANE Sessegnon is on the verge of a quick-fire move to Qatar club El-Jaish in the wake of his arrest for suspected drink-driving earlier this week.
The move was reported to be progressing rapidly last night.
And with the Benin international not included in the Sunderland squad which set off to Selhurst Park today, there was little to impede further progress being made today.
Yesterday, Paolo Di Canio refused to comment on the situation surrounding the 29-year-old striker, who was arrested in Newcastle on Tuesday night while Sunderland were competing against the MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Di Canio told reporters at the Academy of Light in his pre-match Crystal Palace Press conference: “I have nothing to say about Sess.
“We will see what happens, and then I can tell you my feelings.
“But now I am focused totally on the next game.”
Further questions surrounding the issue were rebuffed but given the Sunderland head coach’s hardline position on any lapses of discipline or club protocol it is extremely unlikely that he would have been a forgiving mood after Sessegnon’s problems on Tuesday night.
Di Canio said barely a week ago that he did not want to sell the skilful striker, who has often been frustratingly inconsistent but is also the most talented player at the club, capable of turning a game in an instant.
The head coach said that his clear preference was to keep Sessegnon but that’s a view which might have changed radically in the light of events this week.
Phil Bardsley broke club discipline on a night out at a casino at the end of last season, and as well as being publicly denounced by the Italian days later, it was made clear that he would never play football for the club again.
If Sessegnon finds himself in a similar position in Di Canio’s thinking right now, it is clear there is no alternative but to sell him as quickly as possible.
And in Qatar side El Jaish, Sunderland have a ready-made interest with the Arabian outfit reported to have offered £5m for the striker earlier this month.
That interest looks set to be revived and completed and if that’s the case, as well as Sessegnon leaving, the club will be looking at bringing new blood in before the transfer deadline on Monday, September 2.
Di Canio said that should Sessegnon leave, he would want not his top priority signing –a central midfield play-maker brought to the club – but also a replacement striker.
The head coach has been at pains to point out that in a long and challenging season he needs five main strikers to allow him enough options in games and the chance to rotate his forwards.
Much remains to be decided but with barely 72 hours of the transfer window remaining, it seems clear that Sunderland’s deadline day weekend will not be a quiet one.
1739: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
An early sighter for Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as Palace's Jose Campana tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot is saved.
1737: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Sunderland's Italian forward Emanuele Giaccherini is dropping deep trying to get the visitors moving in the right direction and he's looking busy so far. It appears he has licence to roam this afternoon.
1734: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are in traditional colours today, but Sunderland are in their away kit - a bright yellow effort. It's not the best kit I've ever seen.
1730: KICK-OFF - Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
The whistle goes and we are under way at Selhurst Park, where the atmosphere is absolutely rocking. Already, Paolo Di Canio has been in and out of his seat twice in sixty seconds.
1728: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (1730 BST)
I'm looking forward to this match, even if it's just to watch Ian Holloway and Paolo Di Canio on the touchline. Two absolute characters who have looked like exploding in the first two matches of the season.
The Under-21s suffered a third successive defeat in the Barclays U21 Premier League with a 3-0 reverse to Sunderland at Staplewood.
I just think their (Sunderland’s) attitude and the way they moved the ball was far superior than us today "
Martin Hunter
Saints have not recorded any points in the division since their opening-day success away at Liverpool, whilst the number of goals against has now risen to 13 as a difficult start to the season continued on Friday afternoon.
Sunderland in contrast made sure of a fourth win from four games with a lively and determined display which left Saints on the backfoot for much of the 90 minutes.
The hosts had the initial early half-chances with Jake Sinclair and Jordan Turnbull each going close inside the opening ten minutes of a competitive start to the contest.
Saints seemed to match up to their opponents in the first 20 minutes of play, but found themselves behind in the 22nd minute.
Powerful forward Mikael Mandron, who was a handful for the home side’s backline all afternoon, broke into the area on the right and forced a good low save from Cody Cropper in the Saints goal, but the ball bounced out kindly to George HONEYMAN who slammed it back into the net from eight yards out to give Sunderland the lead.
Lloyd Isgrove and Omar Rowe, who were amongst the First Team squad in midweek, sought to make amends for the goal before the break by switching flanks effectively, but the hosts went in one behind at the interval.
HALF-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U21S 0-1 SUNDERLAND U21S
The rest gave Saints a timely boost as they were much quicker out of the traps in the second 45.
Coach Martin Hunter had made two changes to the team at the break as Corby Moore and Sinclair were withdrawn in favour of Andy Robinson and Jake Flannigan.
And Flannigan was involved in the first chance of the new half as he diverted Rowe’s corner into the path of full-back Jason McCarthy, whose header was well saved by Joel Dixon in the Sunderland goal.
The substitutes continued to make a decent impact on the game with Flannigan firing over inside the area, before Robinson had a long range strike saved by the Black Cats’ goalkeeper.
But, despite that early pressure, it was the visitors celebrating again on 58 minutes when the same combination which drew the first goal proved to be Saints’ downfall again.
Mandron used his physical strength and power to get into the box, where this time he played in HONEYMAN who struck a high shot straight into the net, giving Cropper no chance as Sunderland made it 2-0.
Saints pushed again with Harrison Reed firing over before Isgrove had a strong shot held by Dixon, but the visitors’ win was made safe with just under 20 minutes remaining.
Substitute Carl Lawson got the better of the Saints defenders before finding MANDRON and the striker hit a low drive into the bottom corner past Cropper to seal all three points for Kevin Ball’s side.
It could have been more for the visitors late on as they had an effort ruled out for offside, whilst Cropper was called upon twice more to deny both Duncan Watmore and Mandron.
Robinson’s last ditch strike at the other end was caught by Dixon shortly before the whistle went, leaving Saints with some work to do during their two-week break before they travel to Leicester.
FULL-TIME: SOUTHAMPTON U21S 0-3 SUNDERLAND U21S
Martin Hunter was frustrated by the loss and conceded that it was a bad day at the office for everyone.
“It certainly was and we were taught a lesson particularly in the first half,” he told Saints Player after the game.
“They played in a very similar way to us but they implemented it with energy and clever movement and passing which we were nowhere near.
“We just had a very long, protracted talk at the end of the game so I need to get hold of a couple of players next week to sort one or two things out in terms of their attitude.
“I made two changes at half time because it warranted it and for 20 minutes we pressed them more to what we’re akin to, but then we conceded two very, very poor goals. The first one is a long ball which we didn’t deal with and in the second one the situation came about from very poor defending.”
The number of goals to go against the team this season has raised concerns and Hunter was disappointed with the nature of all three efforts that went in.
“There are no excuses for it as they are very basic errors,” he explained. “We plan meticulously and we talked about the striker as a good player, but I have to say that he’s run all over and caused our two centre backs all sorts of problems and we couldn’t deal with them.
“In terms of ones v ones there aren’t many players who will come off the pitch today and say they’ve actually done their job and beaten their opponent.
“What you can’t forget is that this is a tough league,” Hunter added. “We play against different styles of opposition and they’ve got to be up for every game otherwise as we’re finding, you’re going to get sorted out.
“I just think their (Sunderland’s) attitude and the way they moved the ball was far superior than us today so we’ve got a lot of work to do once again in this break that we’ve got before we play our next game.
“We’ll be working very hard and putting to right a lot of the faults that we’ve had. We’ve got a lot of hard work to do.
“But I thought Jake Flannigan was very good when he came on and I also thought that Omar was bright at times. Apart from that, it was not a very good day.”
Southampton U21s team: Cody Cropper, Jason McCarthy, Jack Stephens, Jordan Turnbull, Matt Targett, Corby Moore (Andy Robinson 46), Harrison Reed, Lloyd Isgrove, Omar Rowe, Ryan Seager, Jake Sinclair (Jake Flannigan 46). Unused substitutes: Chris Johns, Fraser Colmer, Bevis Mugabi.
Sunderland U21s team: Joel Dixon, Liam Marrs, David Ferguson, Liam Agnew (Ross Holland 86), Scott Harrison, Tom McNamee, Duncan Watmore, Alejandro Rodriguez Gorrin, Mikael Mandron, George Honeyman (Carl Lawson 66), Adam Mitchell (Andrew Cartwright 86). Unused substitutes: Peter Burke.
1819: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
I think Steve's underplaying it there [see below]. I reckon the paint might be peeling off the dressing room wall once Paolo is finished. He needs to do something to get his side playing.
1816: STEVE HALF-TIME - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
"Palace boss Ian Holloway will be the more content manager. Sunderland's Paolo Di Canio, you think, would have words to say at the break."
1813: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are so dangerous on the counter this afternoon, breaking at pace with Jason Puncheon's clever pass setting Mile Jedinak free on the Sunderland goal but the Australian curls an ambitious effort wide from 20 yards out.
1810: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Some lovely crisp passing on the edge of the area almost unlocks the Sunderland defence but Crystal Palace's latest, more skillful, move breaks down.
1809: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are getting sloppy in possession now, giving the ball away cheaply a couple of times. Paolo Di Canio cuts a frustrated figure on the touchline. He's going to be animated at half-time if it stays this way.
1806: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
If you don't buy a ticket...
Crystal Palace continue to pile on the pressure with long-range shots but Jason Puncheon fails to trouble Keiren Westwood into making a save.
1805: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Catching practice for the Crystal Palace supporters sat in Row Z, or more like Row ZZ, as Dwight Gayle provides the perfect lay-off for Kagisho Dikgacoi but the South African fires well over the bar.
1802: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Again, poor end product from Sunderland as Connor Wickham's shot inside the area is easily blocked by Danny Gabbidon. The big man is keen for his goal to be a match-winning one, also getting back to head Emanuele Giaccherini's shot behind.
1756: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
This is turning into an end-to-end game, with neither side content to sit back, and Palace winger Jason Puncheon drives at the Sunderland defence before firing a low shot narrowly wide.
1754: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
While Sunderland's build-up play is good, with Emanuele Giaccherini pulling the strings, they appear to lack a presence up front as Connor Wickham flashes a shot well wide from the edge of the area.
1752: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are looking more threatening as they spread the ball wide - Ondrej Celustka flashing a ball across the box which evades everyone and goes out of play. Better from the Black Cats.
1748: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland appeal for a penalty when Adam Johnson's header back across goal hits Dean Moxey on the arm. It would have been harsh, however, and the referee rightly waves play on.
1744: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland are doing their best to build from the back but Crystal Palace are content to let them have the ball in such areas before closing down and winning the ball back in midfield. A disciplined performance so far from Ian Holloway's men.
1739: GOAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland - Daniel Gabbidon (9 mins) The Eagles have lift-off. It's not the best goal which we'll ever see at Selhurst Park, but it's got the Palace fans off their seats and singing. A corner comes in from the left and, after a goalmouth scramble, the ball appears to come off Daniel Gabbidon before nestling in the back of the net.
1739: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
An early sighter for Sunderland goalkeeper Keiren Westwood as Palace's Jose Campana tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot is saved.
1737: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Sunderland's Italian forward Emanuele Giaccherini is dropping deep trying to get the visitors moving in the right direction and he's looking busy so far. It appears he has licence to roam this afternoon.
1734: Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace are in traditional colours today, but Sunderland are in their away kit - a bright yellow effort. It's not the best kit I've ever seen.
1730: KICK-OFF - Crystal Palace 0-0 Sunderland
The whistle goes and we are under way at Selhurst Park, where the atmosphere is absolutely rocking. Already, Paolo Di Canio has been in and out of his seat twice in sixty seconds.
1728: Crystal Palace v Sunderland (1730 BST)
I'm looking forward to this match, even if it's just to watch Ian Holloway and Paolo Di Canio on the touchline. Two absolute characters who have looked like exploding in the first two matches of the season.
1917: INJURY TIME - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
We're going to have four minutes added on to this match. Can Sunderland muster a late equaliser?
1917: GREAT SAVE! - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Palace want a third here to be absolutely sure, and they almost get it when Kagisho Dikgacoi's rasping shot is helped over the bar by Keiren Westwood.
1914: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Why did Steven Fletcher not start the game? His persistence almost pressures Crystal Palace into a mistake when goalkeeper Julian Speroni makes a meal out of Danny Gabbidon's poor header back towards goal. Fletcher goes down under the goalkeeper's challenge but the referee is not for giving that one.
1911: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Jonny Williams should put the game to bed for Palace but his low shot from 20 yards out is parried clear by Keiren Westwood.
1911: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland
Crystal Palace make a couple of changes, with Dwight Gayle and Marouane Chamakh being replaced by Stuart O'Keefe and Aaron Wilbraham. Seven minutes to go now.
1906: GOAL - Crystal Palace 2-1 Sunderland - Dwight Gayle (79 mins) Selhurst Park erupts into a cacophony of noise as Dwight Gayle hammers under the body of Keiren Westwood for his first Premier League goal.
1905: RED CARD FOR SUNDERLAND'S JOHN O'SHEA
1904: PENALTY FOR CRYSTAL PALACE They don't get any more clear-cut than that - John O'Shea being beaten all ends up by Dwight Gayle and hacking down the Crystal Palace striker in the penalty area.
1904: SOFT PENALTY FOR CRYSTAL PALACE
1902: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland
Neither side is settling for a draw just yet, a Crystal Palace goal-kick being headed back with interest by Sunderland defender Modibo Diakite and Danny Gabbidon almost pokes past his own keeper under pressure from Steven Fletcher. Fifteen minutes left for either team to find a winner.
1859: CLOSE! - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland
Crystal Palace have responded in the right way since that Sunderland goal and are piling on the pressure looking for another goal. Jason Puncheon looks particularly dangerous, having a cross cleared by Modibo Diakite, while Jonny Williams should have shown more composure when screwing a shot well wide from the edge of the area.
1851: GOAL - Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland - Steven Fletcher (64 mins) It's against the run of play, but Sunderland don't care. Jack Colback swings in a cross from the left and Steven Fletcher delays his run before ghosting in and planting a header beyond Julian Speroni. A proper striker.
1851: GOAL- Crystal Palace 1-1 Sunderland - Steven Fletcher
1848: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland make another change, giving a Premier League debut to Charis Mavrias in place of Emanuele Giaccherini. Is Paolo Di Canio just trying to sign players which are hard to spell for live text commentators? Half an hour to go.
1845: PENALTY APPEAL - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Where is the Sunderland midfield? Again, Palace drive at the visitors' defence and Dwight Gayle's shot is deflected wide before home fans appeal loudly for a penalty when Mile Jedinak is pushed over from the resulting corner. The right call from the ref.
1843: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
And it almost gets even better for Crystal Palace as Mile Jedinak is given the freedom of Selhurst Park to drive at the Sunderland defence but his shot sails over the bar. He should be making the keeper work from there.
1842: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Huge applause from the home fans as Sunderland get to the edge of the penalty area before being pressed back to their own half. Excellent organisation from Crystal Palace.
1841: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
There's a party atmosphere developing in the Selhurst Park stands as Crystal Palace make their first change of the evening, sending on Jonny Williams for Jose Campana.
1837: Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Crystal Palace continue to press in the right areas, closing Sunderland down when they get the ball in dangerous positions. Can they keep this up for 90 minutes though?
1833: SUBSTITUTION - Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
Sunderland have made a change at half-time, bringing on Scotland striker Steven Fletcher in place of Ji Dong-Won.
1832: KICK-OFF- Crystal Palace 1-0 Sunderland
We are back under way at Selhurst Park, and I'm afraid I've come across a stat which will not fill Sunderland fans with hope: Crystal Palace are unbeaten in all their previous 17 Premier League home matches when leading at half-time (12 wins, 5 draws).
1837: Ji Dong-Won walks out of dressing room 5mins before time and sits on breach by himself, kitman comes out with shirt for Steven Fletcher.
Ki Sung-Yeung makes Sunderland loan move from Swansea
Sunderland have signed Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung on a season-long loan deal.
Ki, 24, is Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio's 12th signing of the summer.
Sunderland's summer signings
Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar) Undisclosed
El Hadji Ba (Le Havre) Free
Cabral (Basel) Free
Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor) Loan
Modibo Diakite (Lazio) Free
Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus) £6.5m
David Moberg Karlsson (Gothenburg) Undisclosed
Vito Mannone (Arsenal) Undisclosed
Valentin Roberge (Maritimo) Free
Duncan Watmore (Altrincham) undisclosed
Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos) undisclosed
Ki Sung-Yeung (Swansea) loan
The South Korea international joined Swansea last summer from Celtic in a £6m deal that broke the Swans' transfer record.
Ki made 38 appearances for Michael Laudrup's side last season and was in the team that won the Capital One Cup, beating Bradford City in the final.
The midfielder, who moved to Europe in 2010 when he joined Celtic from FC Seoul, has made three substitute appearances this season but finds himself surplus to requirements just 12 months into a three-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.
Swans boss Michael Laudrup signed central midfielders Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool and Jose Canas from Real Betis during the summer.
Ki links up with international colleague Ji Dong-won at the Stadium of Light.
South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung is set to complete a season-long loan move to Sunderland after heading for Wearside.
It is understood that the Swansea midfielder travelled to the north east on Friday night and is due to undergo a medical on Saturday morning.
Ki would become manager Paolo Di Canio's 12th summer signing with Monday's summer transfer deadline fast approaching.
The 24-year-old started his career at FC Seoul and moved to Europe when Celtic gave him his big chance in January 2010.
He won the Scottish Cup and league during his time at Parkhead, prompting the Swans to invest a then-club-record £5.5million to secure his services in August last year.
However, just 12 months into a three-year deal, he finds himself surplus to requirements at the Liberty Stadium and that has allowed Di Canio to strengthen his central midfield resources.
Sunderland are in action at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening where they will look to impress Ki by building on their midweek cup win over Milton Keynes.
Di Canio's men also drew at Southampton last weekend but know they are in for a tough examination against Ian Holloway's Palace.
Both Holloway and Di Canio are renowned for their passion, and Holloway has struggled to date to fulfil his vow to hold his tongue since his return to the top flight, where he previously enjoyed a colourful spell in charge of Blackpool.
However, Di Canio insists there is far more to his latest adversary.
He said: "I like Ian, I have followed his career because I like to know my colleagues.
"He has experience - Bristol Rovers, Queen's Park Rangers... He has had some defeats in his life, but he has done a fantastic job, in my opinion. The balance is more on his side.
"Sometimes people - it happened to me when I started just two years ago - focus their attention on the passion and the body language, and probably they underestimate his tactical skill.
"He is good, but it is clear also that the players have taken up part of his character.
"I like him. He's a good character with good tactical skill - but obviously I am going to play against him and I hope my team is going to win."
SUNDERLAND are setting up a last-minute move for Manchester United left-back Alex Buttner as Ki Song-Yeung prepares to move to the Stadium of Light.
The South Korean midfielder said goodbye to his team-mates at the Liberty Stadium yesterday in readiness for a season-long on Wearside.
And Sunderland hope that by the time Monday’s transfer deadline passes, United defender Buttner will have joined him on loan too.
Buttner won a Premier League champions medal in his first season at Old Trafford, and the Dutchman is determined to perform well enough this season to earn elevation to the senior international squad.
Sunderland, who had on-loan Spurs’ man Danny Rose excelling in that position last season, would love to add Buttner to their squad.
But the chances of the 24-year-old coming to the Stadium of Light are believed to hinge entirely on Everton’s Leighton Baines completing a move to Old Trafford before the transfer deadline on Monday, September 2.
The young Dutchman, understudy to first-team regular Patrice Evra, is concerned that Baines’ arrival will see him completely sidelined, having already featured little in Manchester United’s pre-season games under new boss David Moyes.
And in recent weeks the former Vitesse defender has been linked with a move to Turkish side Besiktas, although Southampton and Fulham have also been credited with interests.
Sunderland though are monitoring the situation of the Dutch Under-21 international, who joined United last year, and has made five appearances, scoring two goals, and are ready to press their interests once the transfer situation is resolved in the tug-of-war between Manchester and Merseyside.
Moyes believes the addition of Baines and Everton team-mate Marouane Fellaini would keep the champions at the top of the Premier League tree this season, and although a £38m joint-bid for the pair has been turned down by the Blues – the latest in a string of improved offers – United are expected to redouble their efforts over the weekend.
If 29-year-old England international Baines – arguably the best left-back in the country – move to Old Trafford, Buttner is likely to be surplus to requirements – at least in the short-term – but while Besiktas have been linked with a bid in the region of £5m, United are believed to favour a loan.
It means that going into the weekend, the Black Cats are facing a potentially frantic close to the transfer window, with Stephane Sessegnon strongly tipped to leave Sunderland in the wake of being arrested on suspicion of drink-driving earlier this week, with one or two other departures not ruled out.
Qatar side El-Jaish, who made a £5m bid for Sessegnon earlier this month are believed to be in pole position, but other interested parties are being sought.
Head coach Paolo Di Canio has said firmly in the past that he doesn’t want Sessegnon to leave, but that was before this week’s incident.
And he also acknowledged that if the club did decide to sell the Benin international, he would want a central midfield playmaker and a replacement striker to arrive at the Stadium of Light on the back of any sale.
Di Canio named a winger and a left-back as his other priority positions ahead of the transfer window closing, and he had one of those filled with the arrival of teenage Greek winger Charis Mavrias in a £2.5m move Panathinaikos just over a week ago.
Song-Yeung would fill that central midfield position if the deal goes through and if Sessegnon stays, Di Canio would only require a left-back to complete his squad rebuilding and the prospect of snapping up Buttner on loan is not to be sniffed at.
The young defender’s prefered position is left-back, an area where Sunderland have struggled in recent seasons, but he is also versatile enough to play in central midfield if required.
He signed a five-year contract with United last summer and made his debut in a win over Wigan in which he set up one goal and scored another, earning him the man-of-the-match award.
His second goal for United came in the 5-5 draw with West Brom in the last game of the 2012-13 season.
It is understandable that United would not want to let the Dutchman leave permanently.
But Buttner’s agent, Alexander Bursac has commented: ”If Baines arrives, the chances for Buttner to play are even less then last year. That would be a shame, because Alex wants to play for the Dutch national team next season.
“For Alex it would be better for a younger left-back to come so he could become first choice. He has already proved himself in the Premier League.”
Di Canio's dozen! Sunderland boss snaps up Swansea midfielder Ki on season-long deal as Black Cats overhaul continues
Sunderland have completed the signing of Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng on a season-long deal as Paolo Di Canio makes his 12th capture of the summer.
The 24-year-old Korean, who has fallen out of favour under Michael Laudrup, is understood to have told his team-mates on Friday he was heading to the Stadium of Light until the end of the season and Sunderland have now confirmed the switch.
Ki has tumbled down the midfield pecking order this summer after the arrivals of Jose Canas, Jonjo Shelvey and Jonathan de Guzman, who re-signed on loan.
Earlier this month chairman Huw Jenkins dismissed suggestions that he would sell the 24-year-old on a permanent basis.
Ki will link up with international colleague Ji Dong-won at the Stadium of Light.
Stéphane Sessègnon dropped from Sunderland squad to face Crystal Palace
• Forward was arrested on Tuesday on drink-driving charge
• Paolo Di Canio: 'Difficult to give him a second chance'
Stéphane Sessègnon will be punished for a drink-driving charge by being left behind on Wearside on Friday when Sunderland's first team squad fly to London for Saturday's Premier League game at Crystal Palace.
The Benin forward, who will appear before Newcastle magistrates on 4 October, was arrested in Newcastle on Tuesday evening while his team-mates were beating MK Dons 4-2 in the Capital One Cup.
Paolo Di Canio had rested Sessègnon, one of his most talented players, for that game but has now abandoned plans to start the African at Palace, instead excluding him from the party travelling south.
Sunderland's manager demands the utmost professionalism from his players and, quite apart from his anger at the drink driving charge, is understood to have been deeply disappointed that Sessègnon was out socialising at a time when he should either have been watching his team-mates play MK Dons or spending time at home with his family.
Whether he offers the versatile creator, the subject of interest from clubs in Qatar, a second chance remains to be seen. "I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong," said Di Canio. "It is difficult to give a second chance to someone who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again.
"If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then, yes, there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits. It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry.
"If you arrive a bit late and I fine you and you become more professional afterwards then there can be a second chance. But if you don't even think you are wrong you might say sorry but don't mean it, then that is different."
Sunderland attacker Stephane Sessegnon is set to join Qatari club Al-Jaish for a knock down fee of just £5 million, according to the Mirror.
The 29-year-old has seen question marks raised over his future at the club this season, with a series of yo-yoing statements relating to his future in the Northeast.
However, he now appears to be on his way out after Paolo Di Canio has deemed him surplus to requirements following a drink driving incident earlier this week.
He will now be left out of the squad that will travel down to London this weekend for the encounter with Premier League new boys Crystal Palace and be sold to Al-Jaish before Monday night’s transfer deadline at 11pm.
“I can read my players and I know the ones who are genuinely sorry if they do something wrong,” said Di Canio. “It is difficult to give a second chance to someone who breaks my rules and thinks it is normal because they will do it again.
“If a footballer says he is really sorry and you think he means it then, yes, there is a second chance. I will judge each case on its merits. It depends what they are doing and if they are genuinely sorry.
“If you arrive a bit late and I fine you and you become more professional afterwards then there can be a second chance. But if you don’t even think you are wrong you might say sorry but don’t mean it, then that is different.”
Di Canio also wants to raise funds as he remains keen on recruiting a left-back with Toulouse defender Chiekh M’Bengue and Juventus’ Paolo de Ceglie on his list.
Borini having Sunderland medical ahead of loan move from Liverpool
Sunderland are finalising a loan for Liverpool's Fabio Borini after the striker arrived at the club to complete a medical ahead of a move.
The 22-year-old will become Paolo Di Canio's 13th signing of the summer at the Stadium of Light - dwarfing the recruitment drive at neighbours Newcastle.
The Black Cats aren't finished yet and have also enquired about a similar deal for Napoli defender Andrea Dossena.
Liverpool have sealed deals for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori.
Moses’ arrival pushes Borini down the pecking order and the Italian feels he will get more chances under Paolo di Canio. Napoli, managed by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, could make a late bid for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.
Borini is Sunderland's 13th summer signing - Newcastle have just one
Sunderland - 13: Modibo Diakite (Lazio), Duncan Watmore (Altrincham), Valentin Roberge (Maritimo), Cabral (Basle), David Moberg Karlsson (IFK Gothenburg), Vito Mannone (Arsenal), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), El Hadji Ba (Le Havre), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Ondrej Celustka (Trabzonspor, loan), Charis Mavrias (Panathinaikos), Ki Sung-yueng (Swansea, loan), Borini (Liverpool, loan)
West Brom make £6m bid for out-of-favour Sunderland forward Sessegnon
West Brom have made a £6million offer for Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international's future at the Stadium of Light has been unclear ever since Paolo Di Canio's arrival last season.
Sunderland have already made 10 summer signings and Sessegnon now appears surplus to requirements.
Baggies boss Steve Clarke has tested the water with a deadline day offer for the attacking midfielder.
West Brom failed to score for the third consecutive game in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea and Clarke is keen to improve his attacking options before tonight's deadline.
Albion have already added Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a season-long loan today.
Sessegnon has made two league appearances for the Black Cats this season but did not feature in their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Di Canio: I'd quit if I didn't believe Sunderland could turn things around
Paolo Di Canio came out fighting after Sunderland lost to Crystal Palace, arguing that he may as well retire if he did not believe his side could get something from the horrendous run of fixtures they now face.
In four games after the international break, Sunderland host Arsenal, have an awkward trip to West Bromwich Albion, then home games against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The prospect of having no wins by October 5 was put to Di Canio after a defeat against one of the relegation favourites.
‘Why do we have to do this?’ implored Di Canio. ‘If I think about this, it is better that I retire from being a manager. If I think I will not have a chance to beat Arsenal at home or West Bromwich Albion away, Liverpool or Manchester United at home — or two wins out of four games, why not? Or one draw and one win.
‘Why do I have to have only one point? Why do I have to lose every game with this team? Obviously we can win one, two or zero, or three draws — we will see.’
If Di Canio records ‘zero’ wins he might not be given the chance to retire. This is Sunderland’s second-worst start to the Premier League after three games. Mick McCarthy was in charge in 2005-06 when they lost all three of their opening matches and went on to be relegated. No Sunderland side has ever failed to register a win in the opening seven games in the top flight.
The Italian had talked of the need for a ‘killer’ in the box, and Steven Fletcher came off the bench after a five-month layoff to cancel out Daniel Gabbidon’s opener.
Sunderland looked as if they would go on to win but John O’Shea’s foul earned him a red card and Palace a penalty which Dwight Gayle scored. When Stuart O’Keefe struck in stoppage time, Di Canio skulked from the touchline back to his bench.
‘I don’t think we’ll be getting any time off, we don’t deserve it,’ said Fletcher. ‘We need to get back in and correct what went wrong against Crystal Palace.’
Part of the problem is the complete overhaul of the squad. Ten new players have arrived and Di Canio hopes more will come on Monday before the transfer window shuts.
‘They’re professional footballers so they need to know if they are going to move club then they need to bed in quickly,’ warned Fletcher. ‘It’s the Premier League.’
Continue as they are and it won’t be the Premier League after this season.
SOMETIMES a silver lining only serves to illuminate the sheer size of the cloud.
Substitute Steven Fletcher’s sweetly-headed 65th-minute leveller – which sadly was to prove the coldest of comforts by the final whistle – showed just what this Sunderland side had been missing up to that point.
The clever, clinical cutting edge the Scot provided held out hope that Sunderland might effect a break-in at the Palace; might turn around a game in which they had struggled at times to show up.
But long before referee Lee Probert blew the final whistle on Saturday night, the weaknesses which were apparent before the equaliser conspired to overwhelm Paolo Di Canio’s men.
Suspect defending, a softness in central midfield, unconvincing wing play and a painfully poor front pairing put Sunderland in harm’s way.
Coupled with a lack of leadership and collective team spirit, those failings proved fatal.
Di Canio argued afterwards that there was little between the two sides in terms of possession, but that was to ignore the fact Sunderland created little when they were holding on to the ball.
And while it was undeniable that “two rubbish goals” cost Sunderland any chance of getting something from the game, that’s what the training ground and the talent is there to avoid in the first place.
It leaves the Italian with an uncomfortable international break to negotiate.
Two weeks in which Sunderland’s failure to prosper against the Premier League’s unleading lights – Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace – will be raked over again and again.
Sunderland needed a win over newly-promoted Palace to stave off this level of forensic scrutiny.
But they weren’t helped by three enforced changes, with Jozy Altidore (hamstring), Craig Gardner (groin) and Stephane Sessegnon (off-field problems) all unavailable.
Connor Wickham, David Vaughan and Ji Dong-won were drafted in as replacements, but none of the trio covered themselves in glory.
Perhaps it would have helped if Sunderland had avoided the early goal which was precisely what Palace needed to boost their confidence levels after losing their first three games of the season in league and cup.
But, after a scrappy start from both sides, the Eagles were handed the most welcome of gifts in the ninth minute.
Jose Campana put in an inswinging corner from the left and Marouane Chamakh’s failure to connect with a header at the near post saw the ball drop unexpectedly into the danger zone.
Jack Colback was unable to make contact with an instinctive attempted clearance and the ball flashed across him, struck the knee of Ondrej Celustka in the six-yard box, rebounded off the calf of Danny Gabbidon and past Keiren Westwood.
The fact it was the Palace centre-half’s first goal in 116 Premier League games said it all about the danger he should have represented.
It was a horrible goal to concede – Sunday League stuff.
But worse was to come when Sunderland carved out a great chance to equalise in the 20th minute and wasted it in astonishing fashion.
The groundwork was laid by Adam Johnson and Celustka, who combined well on the right for the Czech full-back to produce the perfect centre for Ji.
All the South Korean striker had to do was nod it goalwards at the near post from five yards out, but he chose to duck under it, sensing a challenge.
“What can I do? I cannot change the heart of my player,” said a fuming Di Canio who, having defended Ji in the wake of a dreadful display against MK Dons last midweek, substituted the striker at half-time and sent him out of the dressing room to languish in the dug-out ahead of his team-mates’ return.
Ji could hardly complain.
His displays against Palace and MK Dons have verged on the incompetent and brought Di Canio’s judgment into question, over the decision to reject a £4m-plus bid from Germany for the forward’s services this summer.
His replacement in the frontline, Steven Fletcher, showed exactly how it should have been done when he marked his return from a five-month lay-off with a goal of the highest quality.
Colback and substitute Charis Mavrias combined with Fletcher high on the left-flank with some skilful passing before the Tynesider centred and Fletcher, who had made the run into the box, planted the perfect header back across keeper Julian Speroni from 10 yards out.
Di Canio, who described Fletcher as “only 40 per cent fit” hoped the equaliser would bring the best out of his players and diminish the home side.
Palace had played as if their Premier League lives depended on it – which it almost certainly did.
And Sunderland needed to find a dominant figure or two, to counteract the sort of drive shown by the Eagles in general, and their skipper, Mile Jedinak, in particular.
Unfortunately, they lacked leaders, just as they had done before the leveller when Jedinak had bossed the centre of the pitch while Jason Puncheon punctured Sunderland time and again with his pace, ably supported by attacking full-backs Joel Ward and Dean Moxey.
Sunderland, meanwhile, had passed the ball around neatly enough at times but failed to genuinely threaten.
That was something underlined by the fact that though possession was shared, Palace had six shots on target, 11 off, while Sunderland troubled the keeper only twice, missing the target eight times.
Fletcher’s goal gave them a lifeline.
But, instead of seizing the initiative, Sunderland played conservatively and that encouraged the home side back into the game.
There was still little in it though, still hope in the hearts of the travelling faithful, when John O’Shea made the most routine of mistakes in the 77th minute to hand the advantage right back to the hosts.
Fatally, for Sunderland’s hopes, the skipper allowed a spinning ball to run past him into the area, not appreciating the ground Dwight Gayle had made up behind him, and O’Shea then brought down the speedy youngster as he sprinted into the box.
There could be no complaints about the red card that followed, or the low, driven penalty from Gayle which went under Westwood’s body as the keeper dived to his right.
Both goals conceded were of Sunderland’s own making – a set-piece and a penalty kick.
And it was always going to be an uphill task for the Wearsiders’ 10 men after that.
Perhaps predictably, it was Palace who produced the greater goal threat in the dying stages before scoring a cracking goal in time added on when Puncheon, on the left of the area, got the ball across to sub Stuart O’Keefe, who curled a fabulous left-foot strike in off the crossbar to Westwood’s right – the final dagger to the heart and a goal which sent Selhurst Park into meltdown.
Defeat leaves Sunderland with one point from nine after three games – joint bottom of the Premier League.
And it also leaves Di Canio facing very real question marks over the progress of the revolution he is looking to bring about at Sunderland.
Only three of his dozen summer signings featured on Saturday.
And the stodgy, unimaginative display offered little hope that this new model Sunderland is going to take the club forwards anytime soon.
All that the fans, who made the long and unrewarding journey to London at the weekend, can hope for, is that new signings made by the end of today, coupled with more work on the training ground, finally starts producing the sort of results they, and the head coach, want.
Palace verdict: Sunderland need last-day transfer blitz, but it’s not going to happen
WHEN JIM White begins to perspire as the clock ticks towards tonight’s 11pm deadline, how Sunderland would benefit from being regularly on the Sky Sports presenter’s lips.
Don’t expect it to happen more than a couple of times though.
Sunderland neither have the remaining transfer budget, nor, more crucially, the remaining leeway in the Premier League’s wage restrictions, for a sustained last-gasp trolley dash.
One, perhaps two, deadline day recruits are likely to be the limit of their activity, albeit the picture could change if there are further departures from the Stadium of Light.
It seems perverse to be talking about Sunderland’s need for further strengthening after Ki Sung-Yeung became the club’s 12th summer signing on Saturday.
But there is a smoke and mirrors element to Sunderland’s shopping spree.
There are not 12 players realistically fighting for a spot in Paolo Di Canio’s starting XI and injecting the competition so badly missing at this club for the last two or three years.
Only three of the fresh faces started the debacle at Selhurst Park, even if that total would have crept up to four had Jozy Altidore not succumbed to a late hamstring strain.
Vito Mannone is a back-up keeper, Valentin Roberge is arguably the fourth-choice centre-half and El-Hadji Ba, Charis Mavrias, David Moberg Karlsson and Duncan Watmore have all been signed for the future, not the present.
Given that Cabral appears to have instantly found himself out of favour too, the bulk of this side remains the one which limped to Premier League survival last season.
Is it any wonder then that the alarm bells, church bells and doorbells are all chiming just three games into the campaign?
Saturday’s defeat had all the hallmarks of those limp surrenders during the second half of last season which cost Martin O’Neill his job.
A doggedly determined Palace side did little to dispel the view that they are heading back to the Championship.
Ian Holloway remains hopeful of a late spending spree today and his side will undoubtedly make a fist of Premier League survival before ultimately falling short.
But Palace possessed two attributes which Sunderland STILL haven’t addressed this summer – natural pace and midfield drive.
On-loan Southampton winger Jason Puncheon and striker Dwight Gayle aren’t world-beaters, but they can burst away from a defender – as the latter did for the game’s seminal moment to penalise John O’Shea’s horrifying lapse of concentration.
There was no-one in the Sunderland side on Saturday capable of skipping away from their man and forcing them to back-track nervously towards their own goal.
And, without wishing to sound like a broken record, neither is there a midfielder who can burst forward from the middle of the park with the ball at his feet and forage deep into enemy territory.
Palace skipper Mile Jedinak did it far better than either of Sunderland’s midfielders and got a couple of shots away from the edge of the area to boot.
Of course, Di Canio has made no secret of his desire for such a player and identified Tom Huddlestone as the midfielder he wanted. He will just have to hope that Ki can provide something similar.
The Italian isn’t responsible for Sunderland’s transfer dealings and if these overseas imports ultimately flop on these shores, then the culpability is club-wide.
But Di Canio still has the final say on ins and outs and, given he made so much of the lack of aggression and determination among his players on Saturday, there has to be a question mark over why the head coach has ostracised Lee Cattermole.
Neither was Di Canio given any suggestion on his arrival that he would be overseeing a series of club record transfers, even if Sunderland have splashed out a total of around £30million in the market this summer when costs such as agents fees and signing-on payments are included.
Di Canio appealed to Ellis Short because of his coaching abilities.
The former West Ham striker was charged with polishing his players on the training field and organising them into a harmonious force.
After the slack training regime of Martin O’Neill, that is what Short felt was necessary.
But other than a bright – if shot-shy – opening day display against Fulham, the difference has been minimal.
Sunderland looked a sluggish and confidence-drained side on Saturday, reliant on Steven Fletcher’s goals to give them hope. Sound familiar?
Even after Fletcher had given them the perfect foundation to go on and win the game, they still managed to hit the self-destruct button.
Di Canio’s response was to verbally launch into his players afterwards.
On the content of his assessment of individuals, Di Canio made plenty of valid points.
But such a public tactic is fraught with danger, particularly when it extended to young players and even Di Canio’s first lieutenant, John O’Shea.
It was something Sunderland’s players were conscious of during the summer after Di Canio’s rant at White Hart Lane on the final day of last season.
And watching Ji Dong-won walk solemnly alone down the Selhurst Park touchline to take his place in the dug-out at the start of the second half, the South Korean looked like a player who didn’t need to be chastised publicly after a dressing room drumming down.
Ji again did nothing to back-up Di Canio’s argument last week that he will be an “important” contributor for Sunderland this season and the first-half diving header he pulled out of was almost comical.
But surely the 22-year-old’s self-belief must now be at rock bottom.
Laying into Ji and his team-mates is a colossal gamble by Di Canio, in the hope that it will spur some sort of self-realisation about Sunderland’s shortcomings.
But then everything Sunderland have done over the last five months has been a colossal gamble.
From the dismissal of O’Neill, to the appointment of Di Canio and a complete overhaul of the club’s managerial and scouting structure, there has been a roulette wheel element to Short’s actions.
In another half-a-dozen games or so, the Sunderland owner will know whether the club is simply suffering from early-season jitters, or something far more fatal.
Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon has completed his deadline day move to West Bromwich Albion.
The Benin international has joined for a club-record fee thought to be worth £6m.
He moved to the Stadium of Light in 2011 from Paris Saint-Germain and scored 18 goals in 97 appearances for the Black Cats.
However, it was decided that he was surplus to requirements this summer, and after he was left out of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace, Paolo Di Canio decided to move him on.
Sunderland have brought in Fabio Borini on loan from Liverpool as Sessegnon’s replacement, while left-back Andrea Dossena also joined the club today.
Sunderland confirm Fabio Borini loan signing from Liverpool
SUNDERLAND have finalised a season-long loan for Liverpool striker Fabio Borini.
The Italian has become Sunderland’s 13th signing of the summer after Liverpool agreed to part company with the 22-year-old - just 12 months since he moved to Anfield for £10.5million.
Borini has been pushed down the pecking order at Anfield following the captures of Daniel Sturridge, Coutinho, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Victor Moses.
The Italian international, who was not involved in Liverpool’s win over Manchester United on Sunday, started just five Premier League outings for Brendan Rodgers’ side in his maiden campaign on Merseyside last season - partly due to a three-month absence with a broken foot - with his only goal coming in April’s 6-0 romp at Newcastle.
That prompted Sunderland to make a loan approach for Borini, who will replace West Brom-bound Stephane Sessegnon in the Black Cats’ attacking ranks.
West Brom make £6m bid for out-of-favour Sunderland forward Sessegnon
West Brom have made a £6million offer for Sunderland forward Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international's future at the Stadium of Light has been unclear ever since Paolo Di Canio's arrival last season.
Sunderland have already made 10 summer signings and Sessegnon now appears surplus to requirements.
Baggies boss Steve Clarke has tested the water with a deadline day offer for the attacking midfielder.
West Brom failed to score for the third consecutive game in Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Swansea and Clarke is keen to improve his attacking options before tonight's deadline.
Albion have already added Marseille midfielder Morgan Amalfitano on a season-long loan today.
Sessegnon has made two league appearances for the Black Cats this season but did not feature in their 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
SUNDERLAND have completed the signing of a second Italian international on deadline day after agreeing a one-year deal for left-back Andrea Dossena.
The 31-year-old has arrived at the Stadium of Light on a permanent deal, for an undisclosed fee, from Italian outfit Napoli after making 24 appearances for the Serie A side last season.
It is Dossena’s second spell in the Premier League after he made 31 appearances for Liverpool during an 18-month stint at Anfield.
Dossena follows the loan signing of Liverpool frontman Fabio Borini and becomes Sunderland’s 14th capture of the summer.
West Brom break transfer record to land Sunderland’s Sessegnon for rumoured £6million fee
WEST BROM have broken their club transfer record to sign Sunderland frontman Stephane Sessegnon.
The Benin international has ended his two-and-a-half year stint at the Stadium of Light after joining West Brom for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around the £6million mark.
Sessegnon, who turned 29 in June, has agreed a three year deal at the Hawthorns after passing a medical with the Baggies this afternoon.
The former Paris St Germain forward was left out of the Sunderland squad for Saturday’s defeat at Crystal Palace after being charged with drink-driving in Newcastle last week.
And that came after a frustrating start to the season from Sessegnon, who struggled in Sunderland’s opening two games.
Sessegnon was similarly inconsistent last year, but on his day, was a match-winner for the Black Cats.
He won the club’s Player of the Season accolade in 2011-12, netting 17 times in his 85 top flight starts for the Wearsiders.
SUNDERLAND striker Connor Wickham has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad due to injury.
Wickham had been named in Gareth Southgate’s first squad as U21 boss, for the European Championship qualifiers against Moldova on Thursday and Finland next Monday.
But the 20-year-old is not expected to be available for either game and will remain with Sunderland during the international break.
The FA say Wickham’s fitness will be assessed again later this week.
Wickham netted twice during Sunderland’s Capital One Cup win over MK Dons last week – his first goals in red and white since January.
And he was rewarded with 90 minutes in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Transfer deadline day: Borini & Dossena join Sunderland
Liverpool striker Fabio Borini has signed for Sunderland on a season-long loan deal.
The Black Cats have also added former Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena, 31, from Napoli on a one-year deal.
Black Cats boss Paolo Di Canio rates Borini highly, although the 22-year-old has scored just twice since becoming Brendan Rodgers's first Reds signing.
The Italian, who played for Rodgers at Chelsea's academy and Swansea, moved from Roma in July 2012 for £11m.
Liverpool's signing of Victor Moses from Chelsea on loan pushed him further away from first-team contention.
Capped once by Italy, against the United States in February 2012, Borini has made 20 appearances for the Anfield club.
Dossena, who made 31 appearances during an 18-month spell at Anfield from 2008, helped Napoli to second-place in Serie A last season.
Signing No 13! Borini heads to Sunderland on season-long loan from Liverpool
Sunderland have completed the signing of Liverpool's Fabio Borini on a season-long loan deal.
The 22-year-old has become Paolo Di Canio's 13th signing of the summer at the Stadium of Light - dwarfing the recruitment drive at neighbours Newcastle.
The Black Cats aren't finished yet and have also enquired about a similar deal for Napoli defender Andrea Dossena.
Liverpool have sealed deals for Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho, Chelsea’s Victor Moses and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori.
Moses’ arrival pushes Borini down the pecking order and the Italian feels he will get more chances under Paolo di Canio. Napoli, managed by former Anfield boss Rafa Benitez, could make a late bid for Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel.
Their heads are empty' - Di Canio slams Sunderland players
The fiery Italian has lambasted his players following their shock 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, claiming some of them are "empty in the brain"
Paolo Di Canio has slated his Sunderland team following their 3-1 defeat to newly-promoted Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Italian branded his strikers "empty in the brain" after their performance at Selhurst Park, with South Korean Ji Dong-Won bearing the brunt of his criticism following a missed near-post header in the first half that resulted in him being substituted.
And despite bringing in 11 new signings this summer, the Italian claims his side still need more players with "heart."
"I cannot change the heart of my players," the Italian told reporters. "One time we did a delivery very well and Ji didn’t push his head forward."
"I am more disappointed than him [about him being substituted]. I think also the fans [were] because the expectation on him is very high because he can do much better, even in only keeping the ball.
Di Canio also criticised youngster Connor Wickham and captain John O'Shea, reprimanding his skipper for the challenge that saw him sent off on 77 minutes for conceding a penalty.
"We don’t ask the moon: do not lose every ball under pressure. The young fellow [Wickham], he can keep the ball much better if they have more desire; and if they play less empty in the brain they can keep the ball much better.
"At this moment they are empty. Our leader [O'Shea] didn’t react in the way he should. That is terrible, because it was a crucial game for us. It’s absolutely poor and not acceptable.
"Now everybody can understand why we asked for a few players [this summer]."
Sunderland have gone seven games without a win in the Premier League and the north-east side face Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United in the coming weeks, which could see them still stuck on one point.
But Di Canio says he is not preparing for the wors: "If I think about this, it is better that I retire from being a manager," he said. "We have the ability and quality to beat any side."
DEADLINE DAY: Ex-Sunderland (porn) star leaves Barnsley
BARNSLEY have confirmed that former Sunderland goalkeeper Ben Alnwick has left the club by mutual consent.
The 26-year old joined the Championship side from Tottenham last summer and he went on to make 12 appearances during his debut campaign at Oakwell.
Alnwick, a former England Under-21 international, started his career at Sunderland before moving to Spurs in 2007, although he only managed one Premier League appearance in his five-year stint.
During his time at White Hart Lane, he had no fewer than seven different loan spells until he was eventually released and signed on a two-year deal by the Tykes.
David Flitcroft has brought in goalkeepers Mike Pollitt and Christian Dibble during this transfer window, leaving Alnwick surplus to requirements and now free to find a new club.
Stuart Rayner: Sunderland splash on 14 signings - but are they Premier League class?
Stuart Rayner looks back through the summer transfer window as Sunderland close their deals on deadline day
Sunderland ended the transfer window with 14 new signings but precious little Premier League experience.
Only five signings – Jozy Altidore, Vito Mannone, Sung-Yong Ki and deadline-day arrivals Fabio Borini and Andrea Dossena – have ever played in the top-flight.
None of them have more than 30 appearances to their name in the competition.
That is a big problem.
Few leagues are harder to adapt to than the English top-flight, and this reshaped squad will need a fair bit of time to get used to it.
Yet to win their first league match of the season, that is a precious commodity at the Stadium of Light.
Mannone is set to watch most of the campaign from the bench, behind in the goalkeeping pecking order to the talented Keiren Westwood who has even less Premier League experience, although plenty in the lower leagues.
Having made more signings than anyone in the division, you might be lulled into thinking the Black Cats have been flashing Ellis Short's cash this summer.
But in fact the around £20m transfer fees they have paid for Altidore, Mannone, Ki, Borini, Dossena, El-Hadji Ba, Modibe Diakite, David Moberg-Karlsson, Duncan Watmore, Emanuele Giaccherini, Cabral, Valentine Roberge, Charis Mavrias and Ondrej Celustka have been covered by outgoings.
Sunderland have lost their best player last season, Simon Mignolet, for £9m.
Their most exciting – if infuriatingly inconsistent – attacking talent, Stephane Sessegnon, left for West Bromwich Albion in the final hour of business for a deal which could be worth £6m.
Danny Graham, Alfred N'Diaye, Ahmed Elmohamady, James McClean, Matt Kilgallon and Titus Bramble were all wiped off the wage bill, but those who stayed are significant.
Paolo Di Canio has made it pretty clear he would have liked Lee Cattermole and Phil Bardsley out of the door, but shifting out players on expensive contracts is easier said than done.
He tried to sell David Vaughan and at the weekend he publicly belittled Connor Wickham – not for the first time – and Ji Dong-won.
Wickham may still be able to go on loan to the Championship if Sunderland subsidise a big chunk of his wages, but Di Canio will have to work with the rest. How will they, and captain John O'Shea, respond to Di Canio's votes of no confidence in them.
Sunderland have been more decisive than anyone in this transfer window, but the question marks are as big as ever.
Sunderland transfer deadline day report card: Risky business as Black Cats make wholesale additions
Paolo Di Canio added a further two names to his squad on transfer deadline day, taking Sunderland’s summer recruitment drive to an incredible fourteen.
Liverpool’s forward Fabio Borini, was the first name to be confirmed, joining the Black Cats on loan for the season. Despite arriving at Anfield with a decent pedigree from Italian giants Roma in a deal worth over £10m, the striker endured a torrid season which was plagued by injury.
Although not a name that has got many Sunderland fans excited initially, Borini certainly has some talent, offers something a little different to what we have available in the final third and at the very least will offer some competition for places.
Sunderland’s second signing of the day, left-back Andrea Dossena, also has links with Merseyside following a spell with Liverpool, one which wasn’t particularly successful. However with the 32-year-old joining on only a year’s deal from Napoli, it would seem that he may be little more than a stop gap, especially considering Sunderland missed out on each and every one of their left-back targets this summer.
Sunderland’s best bit of transfer business this window is unquestionably Emanuele Giaccherini. The fact that a club such as ours was able to poach a full international from the Italian champions should not be overlooked for the coup that it was. The little Italian has already found his way onto the score sheet this year and from the first impressions we can expect a lot more.
Jozy Altidore has also shown, in flashes, that he can be a handful for opposition defences and along with the return of the club’s top forward, Steven Fletcher, the hope on Wearside is that the pair can strike up an effective partnership.
Much pressure also rests on the shoulders of fellow new recruit Ji Sung-Yeung, a loan signing from Swansea who will be expected to unlock the opposition’s defence with his vision and range of passing.
Unquestionably however, the major talking point among Sunderland fans on Monday evening surrounded the departure of fan favourite Stephane Sessegnon. The talented, diminutive forward has remained somewhat of an enigma during his time on Wearside, with neither Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill or in turn, Paolo Di Canio, able to bring out his full potential.
The forward has thrilled and excited during his spell in the North East, but quite simply not often enough, going missing for two, three or even four games following an eye-catching performance.
What has rankled among the fan base however is his move to a Premier League rival which is seen as unnecessarily improving a near competitor, a belief which will only continue to fester should Sessegnon hit the ground running with the Baggies.
Mark: 5/10 – Decent additions of Giaccherini and Altidore may only mask what are seen as major losses in the shape of Mignolet and Sessegnon. Also only five of the 14 new names have Premier League experience, which could prove to be a risk.
ANOTHER home draw for Sunderland in the Capital One Cup and again it’s a lower division team who provide the opposition.
Peterborough surprisingly lost at home on Saturday, but are third in the table and thrashed Reading 6-0 in the last round, so they will not lack confidence when they head north.
We all know Sunderland’s vulnerability to lower division teams in the cup and with that bizarre game against MK Dons still fresh, then Sunderland will have to work hard for anything they get.
It would still be a major surprise if we didn’t progress to the next round and Sunderland must make sure that happens.
I’ve looked at the fixtures in this round, and with many all-Premier League ties, then Sunderland have a real opportunity in this competition.
Of course, Sunderland have had good opportunities in recent years and so often they’ve wasted them, especially in front of their own frustrated fans.
The bottom line is, we must win this game, there can be no excuses and whatever team we put out, must surely be able to overcome a League One team at home.
Sunderland have lifted Phil Bardsley's suspension after the defender apologised for his actions during the course of the previous few months.
Bardsley had initially been banned from both the Stadium of Light and Sunderland's training ground following a series of disciplinary incidents, including being photographed on the floor of a local casino covered in £50 notes before being found to be mocking the club on social media following their opening day defeat to Fulham.
Releasing a statement via the club's official website, Bardsley said: "I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted and it was a serious error of judgement. I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness."
It was thought the defender would be able to secure a move away from Sunderland this summer, with Fulham showing strong interest early on. However he suffered a broken foot during a development squad game that scuppered the likelihood of any transfer.
New Sunderland signing Dossena relishing Premier League return
The Italian full-back endured an unspectacular stay with Liverpool between 2008 and 2010, but is hoping to make a greater impact with the Black Cats under compatriot Paolo Di Canio
Andrea Dossena is delighted to have another chance at Premier League football after signing for Sunderland on Monday.
The 31-year-old, who spent a year and a half with Liverpool from 2008, put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal on deadline day, marking his return to the English top flight.
Dossena was part of the Napoli side who secured a second-placed finish in Serie A last season, although he was loaned out to Palermo in January, and says he is excited to get started for Sunderland and work under his compatriot Paolo Di Canio.
"My first game for Liverpool was against Sunderland, and I remember the stadium; the atmosphere was amazing," he told the club's official website.
"I’m very happy to come back to England, and now I can start to work with an Italian manager.
"I know his kind of football, his kind of work. He works hard, and tries to do his best on the pitch.
"The Premier League is the most beautiful league in the world. I left in 2010, but I was angry to leave this country, and now I’ve come back because I think I can do my best for Sunderland."
Liverpool boss Rodgers: Borini will benefit from Sunderland loan
The Reds manager says that the Italy Under-21s international will reap the rewards of regular first-team football after joining the Black Cats for the season on deadline day
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is confident that all parties will benefit from Fabio Borini's loan move to Sunderland.
The Italy Under-21s international joined Paolo Di Canio's side on a season-long deal on deadline day and the Reds boss expects the Black Cats to give him an opportunity to show what he can do, while saying he will be keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old.
Rodgers told the club's official website:"It's just to get games. He had a stop-start season last year with his injuries and I just felt this year he needed to go and play football.
"With Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Iago Aspas and some of the other attacking players, that might have been limited.
"I have a real belief in Fabio - he is a talent, and we've seen that on occasions, but he needs to be playing regularly to demonstrate that talent.
"We had a host of clubs wanting to take him but, with Sunderland having the Italian connection there and being a big club where he can go and play, I'm sure he'll get the chance to shine and we'll look closely at his development this year."
JOZY ALTIDORE has been handed a fitness boost after being cleared to participate in the USA’s World Cup qualifiers.
Altidore missed Sunderland’s defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday after complaining of a problem with his right hamstring, which was initially expected to sideline the £6million summer signing for a fortnight.
But, after linking up with the American medical team, an MRI scan on Altidore’s hamstring has shown there is no serious damage.
The 23-year-old has been given the go-ahead to resume training with the US squad and he will be eligible for the World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica on Friday and Mexico next Tuesday.
Presuming Altidore comes through the two games unscathed, the injury news on the former AZ Alkmaar man will come as a major boost to Sunderland after a rookie front-line of Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won struggled at Selhurst Park.
Wickham has since pulled out of the England Under-21 squad through injury, while both Steven Fletcher and new striker Fabio Borini are short on match fitness.
Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Belgium on Friday and Macedonia next week could have provided an opportunity for Fletcher to get further minutes under his belt after making a scoring comeback at Palace.
But after spending five months on the sidelines since damaging ankle ligaments in Scotland’s defeat to Wales in March, international boss Gordon Strachan has opted not to rush Fletcher back into action, particularly as the Tartan Army cannot qualify for next summer’s tournament in Brazil.
Assistant manager Mark McGhee said: “I asked Gordon could we do that (call up Fletcher) and Gordon considered it and ruled it out, that it was too early.
“If there was a lot riding on these two games, I think it might be different. In fact, I think Steven Fletcher, himself, might have been on the phone to Gordon saying he wants to come and maybe sit on the bench at worst.
“But we all felt, rightly, that he should be given time and that he will recover and get back to form and back to scoring goals again.
“We will take full advantage of Steven Fletcher in coming matches.”
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume workouts for the United States after an evaluation of his right hamstring by team medical staff, the US Soccer Federation said Tuesday.
US coach Jurgen Klinsmann is optimistic that Altidore, who has scored in his past five matches with the national team, will be available when the Americans visit Costa Rica on Friday for a 2014 World Cup qualifying match.
Altidore, who sat out last weekend's English Premier League match for Sunderland, had an MRI exam on his hamstring that came back normal.
The Americans are on a 12-match win streak that began June 2 in Washington with a 4-3 victory over Germany, Klinsmann's former team as coach and player, and included three World Cup qualifiers and a Gold Cup tournament crown.
But the US squad has never won a qualifying match against the Ticos in Costa Rica.
Doing so Friday would be a tremendous step toward clinching a berth in next year's global football showdown in Brazil, especially with a home qualifier against arch-rival Mexico set for next Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio.
The United States leads the North American (CONCACAF) World Cup qualifying table with 13 points from six matches and could clinch a trip to Brazil on Friday with a victory plus a Mexico-Honduras draw and Jamaica winning or drawing with Panama.
USA CLEARS SUNDERLAND STRIKER ALTIDORE OF SERIOUS INJURY
Jozy Altidore has been cleared to continue training with the USA national team ahead of vital World Cup qualifiers.
The Sunderland striker had a MRI scan of his right hamstring after pulling up sore but has been cleared of any serious damage which will keep him available for selection by Juergen Klinsmann for Friday’s clash with Costa Rica in San Jose and Tuesday’s meeting with Mexico in Columbus.
A statement from USsoccer.com read: “US Men’s National Team striker Jozy Altidore has been cleared to resume workouts after a full evaluation from the medical staff. An MRI evaluation of his right hamstring was normal.”
Altidore has been in fine form for the US in recent times, scoring seven goals in his past five outings, including a hat-trick in the 4-3 friendly win over Bosnia in Sarajevo last month.
Sunderland's 25-man Premier League squad: Find out who has made the cut for the new season
Managers have been asked to submit names to the Premier League - and here are those who will feature for the Black Cats
Paolo Di Canio has named his 25-man squad for the Premier League, with deadline-day signings Fabio Borini and Andrea Dossena included.
The Black Cats had a busy summer in the transfer market with new boys Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore heading the list.
All Barclays Premier League managers had to submit names to the authorities yesterday following the closure of the summer transfer window.
Rules state that clubs can have no more than 17 players who are not deemed to be 'home grown', but may have as many U-21 stars as they like.
The Premier League says: "A Home Grown player will be defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."
Changes can be made, however, when the window reopens again on January 1 2014.
And you can find out who features for Sunderland here:
25-man squad list (player name and whether they are 'home grown')
Altidore, Josmer (No)
Bardsley, Phillip Anthony (Yes)
Borini, Fabio (Yes)
Brown, Wesley Michael (Yes)
Tavares Varela, Adilson (No)
Cattermole, Lee Barry (Yes)
Celustka, Ondrej (No)
Colback, Jack Raymond (Yes)
Cuellar Jimenez, Carlos Javier (No)
Diakite, Modibo (No)
Dossena, Andrea (No)
Fletcher, Steven Kenneth (No)
Gardner, Craig (Yes)
Giaccherini, Emanuele (No)
Ji, Dong Won (No)
Johnson, Adam (Yes)
Ki, Sung Yueng (No)
Larsson, Sebastian Bengt Ulf (Yes)
Mannone, Vito (Yes)
O'Shea, John Francis (Yes)
Roberge, Valentin (No)
Vaughan, David Owen (Yes)
Westwood, Keiren (Yes)
Under-21 players (Contract and Scholars)
Agnew, Liam John
Ba, El Hadji
Beadling, Thomas
Blinco, Jordan William
Burke, Peter
Cartwright, Andrew
Colquhoun, Ross
Dixon, Joel Stephen
Egan, John
Ellison, Ryan
Ferguson, David Lee
Gooch, Lynden Jack
Greenwood, Rees
Harrison, Scott Nathan
Holland, Ross Kieran
Honeyman, George Christopher
Karlsson, David Moberg
Knott, Billy Steven
Laidler, Jordan Lee
Laing, Louis Mark
Lawson, Carl
Ledger, Michael
Lynch, Craig Thomas
Mandron, Mikael
Marrs, Liam
Mavrias, Charalampos
McCarthy, Steven Brian
McEvoy, Dylan James
McNamee, Thomas Gerard
Mitchell, Adam
Oliver, Connor
Pickford, Jordan Lee
Robson, Ethan
Robson, Thomas
Rodriguez Gorrin, Alejandro
Smith, Martin
Stinson, James Michael
Stryjek, Maksymilian
Sukar, Jassem Mohamed
Talbot, James
Watmore, Duncan Ian
Watson, Jordan
Wickham, Connor Neil Ralph
FA chairman Greg Dyke ‘alarmed’ by Sunderland’s transfer signing
Dyke also known as the man who binned Doctor Who from tv in 1989 and World of Sport's ITV Wrestling show.
FA chairman Greg Dyke has raised concerns about the high number of international signings at Sunderland this year.
Dyke cited Sunderland – who have signed 14 players this summer but only one of them English – in reiterating concerns about the level of English players in the Premier League.
“No-one can argue that the overall trend isn’t anything but alarming,” Dyke said.
“Last season the number of English players under the age of 21 who appeared in the Premier League filled only 2.3 per cent of the total number of minutes played. Only 35 English players under the age of 21 made appearances.
“This summer only 25 per cent of all new signings by Premier League clubs were qualified to play for England.
“Last weekend only 65 English players started in the Premier League with another 14 coming on as substitutes.”
The former BBC Director General gave Sunderland as an example as he told journalists he intends to have Premier League representation on the commission he will set up in a bid to find a solution to the declining numbers of English players in the top flight.
Dyke has expressed severe concerns about the state of the national game.
He is worried that, if the present trend of top-flight clubs to bring in overseas players is not addressed, England can forget about ever being competitive on the international stage.
Yet, because the FA has such limited power - Dyke recalled one recent request from a club to have a player released from a development team because he was required for first-team duty only to fail even to get on the bench - the Premier League will have to be on board for any changes to take effect.
“If we are to have any chance of success it’s important that football as a whole recognises the problem and buys into the possible radical solutions,” Dyke said.
“That is why I have invited the chairmen of both the Premier League and the Football League to join the commission along with the chairmen of the League Managers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association.”
Dyke also wants input from managers, players, academics and even journalists in the search for solutions.
However, even from his own brief investigations, he is acutely aware how complex the issue is going to be.
“Some say it’s because English kids are not good enough. That technically they don’t learn enough when they are young,” Dyke said.
“Others say we haven’t got enough coaches trained to a high enough level.
“Some of the youth team coaches I have met argue we do have the kids with potential but not enough of them get a chance in the Premier League because it’s easier to sign someone from overseas.
“Then there are others who say the problem is caused by the owners of Premier League clubs being so impatient for success that no manager will put his job on the line by taking a chance on English kids.
“Another explanation put forward by a lot of people is that it is cheaper to sign overseas players.
“Others argue that if your top league is largely foreign owned with foreign managers why should those in control care about developing the England team?”
Evidently, though, the subject is worth exploring for England’s benefit because the figures are stark.
“Twenty years ago 69 per cent of all the players starting matches in the Premier League were qualified to play for England,” he said.
“Ten years later that figure was down to 38 per cent. Last season it was 32 per cent.
Dyke also gave the example of Wigan, who won the FA Cup with only one Englishman in their starting line-up.
The issue is not unique to England. The other major league also have diminishing numbers of home-grown players.
However, what England do not have are exports, with Roy Hodgson’s squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier with Moldova drawn exclusively from the Premier League - with one exception in Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
“We are not Belgium or Holland where most of their top players are playing abroad or even France, Spain or Italy who are now frequently exporting significant numbers of players,” Dyke said.
“Almost uniquely amongst the top footballing nations, virtually all of our top players are playing in their home league so if the best of our emerging young players can’t get a game here it means we do have a serious problem.”
Which team should I pick? compares the NFL with Sunderland AFC in the Premier League.
Sunderland – Miami Dolphins
Paolo Di Canio went crazy in the transfer window, bringing in 14 new faces to the Stadium of Light. In their desperation to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, Miami spent big in free agency too with nine additions, among them Mike Wallace on a $60million deal.
Or New York Jets
The latest chapter of the Jets saga sees three potential starters at quarterbacks on the roster (Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith - who boldly predicted a playoff appearance after being booed at the draft - and Brady Quinn). Coach Rex Ryan is a tinder box and and a sub-editor's dream - as is the equally combustible Signor Di Canio.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio tells his foreign players to learn English
The message is clear from Di Canio, his foreign signings must learn the language and integrate as a team
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has ordered his foreign legion to speak English.
The Italian signed 14 players in the transfer window – 13 of them hailing from overseas.
And in the week that FA chairman Greg Dyke raised concerns about the number of foreigners signed by Sunderland, Di Canio insisted there will be no cliques.
The Black Cats’ head coach said: “If we are a united group, we can achieve a lot more and, for that reason, we have to mix and share as much as possible.
“It’s only natural that players who speak the same language will want to talk in that language.
“But as a group we must speak English and it’s important the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible.
“I will make sure we get that togetherness and not split up into little groups.” And in a swipe at predecessor Martin O’Neill, Di Canio added: “Before and after training we now spend more time together.
“We don’t arrive at the last minute and leave at the first opportunity anymore.
“We stay and talk – English with French, Irish with Swedish and so on – and we’re working hard to create the best environment.”
“There are many different languages, but the difficulty is not on the pitch – where players understand and communicate through body language – it’s about getting that togetherness off the pitch.
“But that is coming and we will continue to work on it because it’s important.
“I’m lucky that our new signings are all intelligent people and they are joining intelligent players at the club.
“We’re spending a lot of time in each other’s company, so that we can build confidence in each other.’’
Sunderland U18s 4 - Fulham U18s 4: Smith spot on, at the double
Sunderland Under-18s shared the spoils with Fulham in an eight-goal Barclays U18 Premier League classic at the Academy of Light today.
Sunderland were 3-2 up only to see the Londoners rally for a 4-3 lead, but Martin Smith’s second successful penalty of the match made it all square.
Smith’s double was backed by goals from Dylan McEvoy and a brilliant strike from Lyndon Gooch, but Sunderland still needed a fine save by Peter Burke in the last minute to ensure a point.
Fulham’s Under-18s played out a 4-4 draw away to Sunderland on Saturday morning.
The Whites fell behind in the third minute but George Williams levelled the scores just before the half-hour mark when he finished off a good team move.
Almost immediately, however, Sunderland were back in front, scoring from the penalty spot after Noe Baba had fouled a Black Cats player in the box.
Seven minutes later it was 3-1 to the hosts after a good individual goal, but Pat Roberts pulled one back just before half-time when he got in behind the Sunderland defence and slotted home.
Steve Wigley changed things around at the break, with Foday Nabay replacing Wesley McDonald in a move that saw Emerson Hyndman pushed further forward.
And the switch paid off as Fulham made it 3-3 five minutes after the restart, Moussa Dembele finishing off a fluid passing move.
Five minutes later Fulham were in front for the first time in the game when Roberts grabbed his second and the Whites saw chances to increase their lead squandered by a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
And those misses came back to haunt Fulham as Sunderland snatched a point with five minutes remaining. A long ball forward saw a Black Cats player beat the offside trap before being brought down by the onrushing Marek Rodak. The Black Cats then scored the subsequent spot-kick to ensure a share of the spoils.
Sunderland fought back to share the points against Fulham in a tremendous eight-goal thriller at the Academy of Light.
Ahead by two goals at one stage, their resolve was tested to the full as the Londoners recovered to take a 4-3 lead. However, Sunderland finally levelled to deservedly draw a game which could have gone either way.
The home side were ahead after only three minutes when Martin Smith, who shone throughout, let fly from twenty yards with a shot Fulham keeper Marek Rodak could only parry - Dylan McEvoy came in at the far post to score easily.
The lead was nearly doubled when Gooch centred accurately for McEvoy to hit a fierce volley which was tipped over by Rodak.
On 29 minutes Fulham levelled when Sunderland keeper Peter Burke could only push a poor defensive back-header into the path of Fulham's George Williams, who tapped home.
But the hosts hit back immediately with Gooch being brought down and Smith making no mistake with a spot kick.
Four minutes later, the lead was increased when Gooch scored the goal of the match, cutting in from the right to crash home a left footed strike into the far top corner.
It was unfortunate for Sunderland when Fulham reduced the deficit with Pat Roberts scoring easily from Moussa Dembele's lay off minutes before half time.
Seven minutes after the break it was Dembele who scored from close range to level, but shortly afterwards only a brilliant save by Rodak prevented Smith from putting the Wearsiders back in front.
However, it was the Cottagers who were the ones to go ahead with Pat Roberts grabbing his second after a good run down the right.
Fulham now threatened to cut loose with the Sunderland defence in danger of being overrun.
But the hosts showed great determination to come back with McEvoy bringing another super save from Rodak.
They got their reward when sub James Stinson was brought down inside the area and Smith again showed no nerves in banging home his second penalty of the match.
Only a magnificent save in the last minute by keeper Burke preserved Sunderland's hard-won point but it would have been a great injustice for the young Black Cats to have emerged unrewarded from this exciting match.
Coach Carlton Fairweather said afterwards: "We did really well building from the Arsenal game last week. We scored good counter-attacking goals but gave away some silly goals as well, but we battled on to take a point."
Sunderland: Burke, Ellison, Colquhoun, J Robson, T Robson (Lowery, 82), E Robson (Stinson, 71), Greenwood, Smith, Wright, McEvoy, Gooch.
Shocked N’Diaye will wait to decide long-term future after Sunderland loan exit
ALFRED N’DIAYE plans to wait until next summer to decide his future after being taken aback by Sunderland’s decision to allow him to leave.
N’Diaye moved to Turkish side Eskisehirspor on a season-long loan in July, just six months after arriving at the Stadium of Light in a £3.8million deal from Bursaspor.
The Football Echo understands that N’Diaye was given little explanation for Sunderland’s decision to offload him after what had seemed a promising start to his Black Cats career. The 23-year-old is now keeping his options open over his long-term future after making his Eskisehirspor debut last weekend.
Although there is a clause in the loan deal to convert it into a permanent move – as is the case with all overseas loans – N’Diaye isn’t necessarily accepting that his long-term future lies in Turkey.
N’Diaye will see what the season brings for him before deciding on the best move next summer.
A source close to N’Diaye said: “It was a surprise when Alfred was told that he wasn’t part of Paolo Di Canio’s plans at Sunderland. He was enjoying himself there and the fans seemed to like him.
“But he knew the coach at Eskiehirspor from his time at Bursaspor, so it was a good move for him. It doesn’t mean he will stay there next summer.
“He will see how he progresses over the season and then make a decision.”
N’Diaye had started 15 out of 17 Premier League games since being brought to the Stadium of Light by Martin O’Neill and seemed to have adapted well to English football by the end of the campaign.
But Di Canio opted to part company with N’Diaye and has added to his central midfield options with the summer captures of El-Hadji Ba, Cabral and Ki Sung-Yueng.
N’Diaye has denied that he had a bust-up with Di Canio though and claimed last month that he returned to Turkey to play regular first-team football.
“There was no problem with the coach,” said N’Diaye. “We talked about my expectations because I need playing time. I’m at an age where I need to play, so it was agreed to my loan and I chose Turkey.
“After the half-season I spent at Sunderland, starting on the bench was not what I wanted.
“I am only 23, but you must play every week to progress. I could have stayed at Sunderland, but I preferred the loan.”
SUNDERLAND’S new Italian left-back Andrea Dossena was so keen to move to the club that he agreed a 50 per cent cut in wages until such time as he is fit and available for selection again.
The Black Cats’ 14th and last signing of the transfer window, has a thigh injury which scuppered an earlier move to Torino this summer but which is not expected to sideline him for long.
And as a sign of good faith, the ex-Liverpool defender - surplus to requirements at Rafa Benitez’s Napoli - agreed to slash his wages until he is fit again.
The injury means that Sunderland will continue to struggle for left-back cover for Jack Colback during Dossena’s absence, although another new signing, right-back Ondrej Celustka can play there if required.
But Dossena’s representatives were keen to point out that Sunderland should be waiting only a matter of weeks before the Italian is ready to go again.
Dossena’s agent Roberto La Florio revealed: “In good faith during the Torino medical Andrea said that he felt pain and the club doctors looked deeper, finding a one centimetre lesion in the quadricep.
“At that point they took a step back, because he wouldn’t be ready for three to four weeks and Torino needed someone straight away.
“We found the Sunderland option, had a meeting and they said the lesion will take four to five weeks to recover from, so they decided to sign him anyway.”
Having agreed the move back to the Premier League, Dossena plans to set his sights on challenging Colback for the left-back place as soon as possible, determined to show he can be a valuable squad player for the Black Cats.
But he is not expected to be in contention until the end of the month and will miss the league games against Arsenal, West Brom and Liverpool as well as the Capital One Cup third round tie against Peterborough.
SKY pundit Gary Neville claims the one thing the transfer windows tends to do, is show which are the poorly run clubs.
It was a statement which threatened to come back and bite the former Red Devil before his old club managed to bag Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day.
Up until then, Manchester United had signed only £2.5million left-back Guillermo Varela all summer and even with the Evertonian’s acquisition, several have branded the Old Trafford club’s first transfer window under David Moyes as an embarrassment at best, and a disaster at worst.
Not as many as have criticised Newcastle United’s window mind you – the only club not to have spent money on signing a senior player permanently all summer, much to the anguish of the club’s followers.
How much that comes back to hurt the Magpies, if at all, remains to be seen.
But Neville’s barb was intended mainly for those clubs which buy in quantity and, under that criteria, Sunderland certainly comes firmly into view.
An analysis of the clubs which made the most signings this summer reads like a Who’s Who of the clubs being tipped to appear in the relegation shake-up this season: Crystal Palace, Hull City, Cardiff City, Swansea, Sunderland, Fulham, West Brom and Norwich City.
The newly-promoted clubs can be expected to bring in a whole raft of signings as they look to bridge the gap between one division and another.
But it is a strategy just as high a risk for established clubs to undergo a “revolution” which could destabilise a club.
Sunderland’s case is particularly high risk.
The club finished fourth bottom in the Premier League in 2012/13 and while no one would argue that something of a clear-out was needed, no one was thinking in terms of the three of their best four players last term – Player of the Season Simon Mignolet, Stephane Sessegnon and Danny Rose – all leaving.
If you are going to progress, the accepted wisdom is that you keep your best players and build a new team around them.
The fourth player, Steven Fletcher, remains and his value was underlined when he returned last week from a five-month absence to become the only Sunderland striker to score in the club’s opening three league games.
In the departing players’ place have come 14 new signings, 13 of them foreign, and only half of whom could be regarded as first-team starters – Jozy Altidore, Fabio Borini, Emanuele Giaccherini, Cabral, Ki Sung-Yeung, Modibo Diakite and, maybe, Vito Mannone.
Early signs have not been promising for the newly remodelled side, with one point taken from nine in games against Fulham, Southampton and Crystal Palace.
The next trio of matches will bring Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal to Wearside, followed by a trip to The Hawthorns for Sessegnon’s Baggies home debut and then the return of Mignolet with in-form Liverpool.
It’s a scary prospect.
But it is not one to daunt Sunderland head coach Paolo Di Canio, who is utterly convinced that his revolutionised Sunderland will start picking up points and plaudits in the weeks and months ahead.
All that Sunderland fans can do is hope that their charismatic, super-confident leader is correct.
Otherwise, after the next three games have been played out, it would be no surprise to see Gary Neville, after the Sky-televised game against Liverpool, talking about the folly of clubs which make too many changes, too quickly and buy in too many foreign players.
All we can do on Wearside – from owner Ellis Short downwards – is wait and see.
But one person at least will be convinced that Sunderland’s future is in safe hands – for Di Canio would say he has been here before.
At Swindon, the Italian endured a similarly sluggish start before seeing his methods vindicated and his side kick into the highest gear to win promotion.
He has been at Sunderland riding a torrent of negative criticism on his appointment before going on to pull the Black Cats out of a nosedive and keep them in the Premier League.
In the same context, he will feel certain that he can prove himself this time again.
He may well be right.
But what seems clear already is that, if he is going to have any success this season, there’s every chance he’ll have to weather the mightiest of storms before steering the club into more appealing waters.
All for one and one for all says Sunderland’s Di Canio
PAOLO Di Canio has promised he will not allow cliques to develop in his newly-assembled League of Nations squad.
In a week in which the number of foreigners at Premier League clubs came under fire from Football Association chairman Greg Dyke, the Sunderland head coach admitting that blending his squad into a tight-knit group remained one of his top priorities.
And the Italian will face the biggest challenge of all the Premier League managers, now that Sunderland have more nationalities in their squad than any other club in the league.
He said: “It is obvious to me that how well we do this season will depend to some extent upon how tight a unit we are as a squad.
“If we are a united group we can achieve a lot more and for that reason we have to mix and share as much as possible.
“Obviously it is going to be difficult because there has been so much change in our club but this was change that needed to happen and now we have to deal with the new situation.
“We have done a lot in terms of getting players to share rooms and mix together at the same table.
“And we will do more.
“It is only natural that players who speak the same language will want to speak that language and that’s OK.
“But together as a group of players we must speak English and it is important that the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible.”
Di Canio says that while he is looking for the team to gel on the pitch, just as great a challenge lies in getting them to bond completely off it.
He said: “There are many different languages but the difficulty is not on the pitch - where players understand and communicate through body language - it is about getting that togetherness off the pitch.
“But that is coming and we will continue to work on it because it is important.
“I’m lucky that our new signings are all intelligent people and they are joining intelligent players already at the club and we are spending a lot of time in each other’s company so that we can build confidence in each other.
“These are the early stages, these are the things you have to work on.
“It is hard work, it takes time, but it will come and I will make sure that we get that togetherness and not split up into little groups.
“Before and after training we now spend more time together.
“We don’t arrive at the last minute and leave at the first opportunity any more.
“We stay and we talk - English with French, Irish with Sweden and so on - and we are working hard to create the best environment we can.”
O'Shea can deal with Di Canio criticism, says fellow Black Cat Larsson
Sunderland midfielder Seb Larsson says captain John O’Shea will be able to deal with manager Paolo Di Canio’s stunning criticism of him last week.
The Sunderland boss singled out the Republic of Ireland international after he was sent off in the defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Di Canio was also very critical of South Korea striker Ji Dong-Won after he pulled out of a diving header in the first-half.
Ji, who was subject of a £5million bid from Borussia Dortmund in July, which was rejected by Sunderland, was made the scapegoat for his side’s latest loss. He was substituted at half-time and Di Canio claimed he had 'no heart' after the 3-1 defeat.
But having made O’Shea his skipper, after ostracising Lee Cattermole during the summer, his attack on the former Manchester United defender was unexpected.
Sunderland team-mate Larsson, in Dublin to face O’Shea and the Republic of Ireland, said the centre-back has the experience to deal with Di Canio’s unusual methods.
Larsson said: 'He’ll cope with that fine. He’s been about long enough and he’s a strong enough character not to be affected at all.'
Former Arsenal and Birmingham City midfielder Larsson will come face-to-face with former team-mate James McClean, who quit the Stadium of Light and Di Canio, to join Wigan last month.
The former Derry City wideman was a surprise choice to fill in for injured Aiden McGeady when Giovanni Trapattoni named his side at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday.
McClean gets the nod ahead of Robbie Brady and Anthony Pilkington, largely on the basis of an impressive performance in Stockholm in the reverse fixture last season.
And Larsson added: 'Obviously, I know a fair bit of him having played with him for quite a while. For me, it's not a massive surprise that he's starting.
'He's a very talented player who can offer something different to a lot of other players. I thought he had a good game when we played in Stockholm and he's obviously one we need to keep our eye on.
'He's got a no-fear attitude - at least that's the James that I knew when he broke through at Sunderland.
'He tries things, he goes for it, he's got a good left foot and he's not afraid to make a mistake. Not all players have got that.'
Sunderland And Newcastle United International Round-Up
A selected round-up of the Tyne and Wear players involved in matches for national sides all over the world.
Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan played 85 minutes for Wales in their 2-1 World Cup qualifier defeat in Macedonia. Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett was an unused substitute alongside the world's most expensive player Gareth Bale.
Sunderland captain John O’Shea played the whole game for the Republic of Ireland while goalkeeper Keiren Westwood was an unused sub in the 2-1 home World Cup qualifier defeat to Sweden. Midfielder Seb Larsson played the whole game for Sweden.
Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson, currently on loan at Birmingham City, started at left-back and played 76 minutes for Northern Ireland in their 4-2 World Cup Qualifying defeat to Portugal.
Newcatsle had two players in the France squad for their 0-0 World Cup qualifier in Georgia. Midfielder Moussa Sissoko played the whole game for France while Mathieu Debuchy was an unused sub. Midfielder Yohan Cabaye missed out on selection totally.
Sunderland striker Jozy Altidore came off the bench to replace Fabian Johnson on 71 minutes but could do nothing to stop them losing in their own World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Costa Rica.
Sunderland’s Emanuele Giaccherini played only six minutes for Italy as he replaced Lorenzo Insigne on 84 minutes for Italy as they beat Bulgaria in a World Cup qualifier.
Finally, Sunderland striker Ji Dong-won started and played the first half for South Korea as they beat Haiti 4-1 in a friendly. Ji was subbed at half time for Koo Ja-Cheol.
Phil Bardsley: Sunderland lift suspension after he apologises
Sunderland have lifted Phil Bardsley's suspension after he apologised for mocking their Premier League defeat by Fulham on social media site Instagram.
After the Black Cats' 1-0 home loss to Martin Jol's men in their first match of the season, Bardsley wrote: "Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!"
The 28-year-old defender had been linked with a move to the Cottagers, but missed the game with a broken foot.
He was subsequently suspended and says he made "a serious error of judgement".
Former Manchester United trainee Bardsley, who signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light in November 2010, said in a statement: "I would like to apologise to the club and supporters for my comments made on social media. I understand how they may have been interpreted.
"I accept the punishment that has been handed to me by the football club and will now focus my attention and efforts on rehabilitation and regaining my fitness."
The Scotland international previously angered Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio in May, after being photographed in a casino.
Sunderland skipper O'Shea plays down Di Canio rift
The 32-year-old centre-back says the Italian manager rang him to apologise for comments he made to the media in the wake of his red card against Crystal Palace
John O'Shea has played down talk of a rift with Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio after the Italian publicly criticised his captain.
The Republic of Ireland international conceded a penalty and was shown a red card in the 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace last month, with his boss describing his actions as "terrible".
Di Canio's decision to name and shame his skipper in the immediate aftermath of the defeat led to reports that all was not well at the Stadium of Light, but O'Shea revealed that the Italian manager his since apologised.
"He rang me the next day and all is nice," said O'Shea. "Getting criticised is one of those things and that is his style of management.
"What he had to say to me is private but let me put it to you this way, it was him calling me.
"The criticism does not bother me in the slightest. It is water off a duck's back to someone like me.
"Because he is such a passionate man, everything he does is getting hyped up.
"The only thing I am annoyed about is the fact that I let the team down."
Sunderland have taken just one point from their opening three Premier League games and sit 19th in the table.
The combustible Italian believes the multi-national nature of the Premier League can help English players to develop, and defended his own summer transfer policy
Paolo Di Canio has hit out at claims by Football Association chairman Greg Dyke that foreigners are negatively affecting English football.
In a speech delivered on Thursday, Dyke stated that young English players were not developing properly because of too much competition for places from overseas players at Premier League clubs.
However, Sunderland manager Di Canio believes the influx of foreign talent has the opposite effect.
Di Canio - arrived in England as a player in 1997 with Sheffield Wednesday - also criticised English players for not having the correct mentality to adapt quickly enough to keep up with other nations.
"It can help raise standards in England, bringing fresh techniques and ideas," the Italian said. "I admire English football but it is obvious that the country has not done as well as it should have done in tournaments in the last few decades.
"If English players buy into different techniques and ideas, they will not go out of tournaments early.
"That is what I hope for, because there are positive foreign influences on the English game."
The Italian brought in 13 players to Sunderland during the most recent transfer window, but none were English.
However, the 45-year-old has defended his approach, insisting it was necessary to help the club move forward.
"This was change that needed to happen and now we have to deal with the new situation," he added.
"If we are a united group we can achieve a lot more and for that reason we have to mix and share as much as possible.
"Together as a group of players we must speak English and it is important that the players who do not speak English learn as quickly as possible."
The midfielder says he is looking forward to working with manager Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light and is keen to impress during his loan spell with the Black Cats
Ki Sung-Yueng is hoping to make his mark at Sunderland after joining the club on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City.
The 24-year-old midfielder moved to the Welsh side at the start of last season and despite making 29 Premier League appearances, found himself out of favour towards the end of the campaign.
However, the former Celtic man is confident Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio can help to revive his fortunes.
"He [Di Canio] has done interviews about me which gives me a lot of confidence and also when I was a kid, I saw him playing so I’m really looking forward to working with the great manager in this team," he told the club's official website.
"I did well I think last season, we won the [Capital One] Cup, and then we did well in the league but I want to play some games, I want to show my quality to people but I did not get my chance this year.
"So I had to move to the club who really need me, need my quality.
"There's always pressure for the new boys but I have to overcome that and I have to show why I am here, that is the main thing I have to do."