John O'Shea expects "difficult test" against Manchester City

Sunderland defender John O'Shea has said that his team will face a "difficult test" in their League Cup final clash against Manchester City.

The Black Cats will be competing in their first major final since 1992 this Sunday, and O'Shea is keen for them to produce a better display than they managed in last weekend's 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

"It's a one-off occasion [on Sunday]. Arsenal and Manchester City are similar quality-wise, with many similar players but some different attributes as well," he told the club's official website.

"It's going to be a difficult test, we know that, but we also know we can perform a lot better. We'll make sure we train well this week and we must start the game much better."

Sunderland have never won the League Cup in their history, but reached the final once in 1985 when they were beaten by Norwich City.