O'Neill: Confidence is key to improving Sunderland's fortunes

Martin O’Neill insists it’s key that he restores confidence at Sunderland if the Black Cats are to turn their season around.

The Mackems sacked Steve Bruce last week and acted quickly in appointing the former Aston Villa manager.

Sunderland have struggled this season and are just two points off the bottom of the table after winning just two of their 14 games.

And new boss O’Neill claims his arrival could spark the lacklustre players into life.

“I think that from the backroom staff to the top that the training itself has always been good,” O’Neill said.

“There always been a good atmosphere around the place but it seems that there has been a little bit of confidence lost.

“I really think confidence is key because players when they lose confidence, even the very, very best, they don’t shine in the same fashion and restoring that is key.”

You can listen to exclusive national radio commentary of Sunderland v Blackburn this Sunday only on talkSPORT