Niall Quinn has explained why Sunderland Football Club have made Ricky Sbragia their new manager.

The Scot has impressed since replacing Roy Keane on a caretaker basis earlier this month, and Quinn handed him an eighteen-month permanent deal on Saturday.

"Ricky Sbragia is a thoroughly professional football person,” the chairman told the official club site.

"We have been taken aback by how easily he has slotted into the managerial role and are really heartened by his intelligent approach in dealing with the players and the day-to-day rigours of the job.

"Ricky took up the reins when we were at low ebb and has without doubt revitalised the club. He is the unanimous choice of the executive board and will receive every support in his new role.”