New Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has said that he is ready for a return to club management at the Stadium of Light.

The former Celtic and Aston Villa boss was named as Steve Bruce's successor on Saturday following talks with the club's board.

"It's not to try and earn any sort of brownie points, but Sunderland were my favourite team as a boy," he told Sky Sports News.

"It is a massive club, they are very passionate up there and I would love to do well.

"I think I have always had a great enthusiasm for the game, and I always feel as though I am ready. I suppose time will tell, but I think that I am ready and I want to do it."

O'Neill takes charge of the Black Cats for the first time next weekend against Blackburn Rovers.

Written by
Jack Prescott