Martin O'Neill keen on winter break

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill believes that the Premier League should introduce a winter break.

A number of European leagues will play their last round of fixtures this weekend before a break in the schedule, while some English clubs are preparing for five matches in 18 days.

O'Neill, who experienced a winter break during his spell as Celtic boss, feels that the players would benefit psychologically from a few weeks off over Christmas.

"My personal view is that I would love to see it happen, even for a week or two because psychologically, I believe when you start off the season, it's pretty long and it gives you something to think about during that time," said O'Neill.

"Even if it was only for a fortnight, I think psychologically, it would help everyone, that's my view.

"When we were in Scotland, I experienced it twice in the five years I was there and one of those years, Celtic reached the UEFA Cup final. I didn't think it was a coincidence myself."

O'Neill's Sunderland take on Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane this afternoon.