Martin O'Neill: Sunderland can be a top-six team

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has said that his side have the potential to be a top-six club in the Premier League.

O'Neill, who took over at the Stadium of Light in December, has led the Black Cats from the relegation places and to within touching distance of a top-half finish. However, he admits that his side are still to reach their full potential.

"This is a great football club with a great tradition and great support," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"I'm excited to be in charge of it. I believe that it has the potential to challenge for a place in the top six, because of its size.

"We are [not] a top-six team at the moment, but we have it in us not to be out of place there."

Sunderland host defending champions Manchester United at the Stadium of Light this weekend.