Michael Gray: Mark Hughes is the "perfect" replacement

Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray has tipped Mark Hughes as the right man to replace Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light.

Bruce was sacked by the Wearside club earlier today after a poor start to the season which has left them in 16th place in the Premier League after 13 games.

Ex-England left-back Gray played under Hughes during a three-year stint at Blackburn Rovers and he believes that he would be the perfect replacement for Bruce.

"I played under Mark Hughes at Ewood Park and I loved it. I know exactly how he works and I think he would be perfect for what Sunderland need right now," he told BBC Sport.

"Mark is astute tactically and a very hard-working manager. Sunderland need results quickly and Mark would work those players like they have never been worked before."

Gray made over 350 appearances for Sunderland during a 12-year spell.