Sir Alex Ferguson backs Martin O'Neill to succeed at Sunderland

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Martin O'Neill to succeed at Sunderland, ahead of the Northern Irishman's appointment at the Stadium of Light.

The Scot, who has been at Old Trafford long enough to have watched O'Neill's entire coaching career from afar, is confident that the former Celtic boss will do well on Wearside in place of Steve Bruce.

"Martin has a very good track record," Ferguson told reporters. "The job he did at Aston Villa was excellent, and he did a great job at Celtic.

"He also won the League Cup with Leicester, so Martin has got the experience to do well."

Meanwhile, the Scot travels to Villa Park to take on O'Neill's former club this afternoon.