Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill is sure that the club will see the benefit of Carlos Cuellar's arrival this season.

The Spaniard joined the club on a free transfer earlier this month and O'Neill believes that the defender's versatility will help the team when the Premier League begins next month.

O'Neill told the club's official website: "He's very sound and a strong character. His contract had come to an end at Villa and I thought he was certainly worthwhile taking on.

"Cuellar might help see us through the season. The number of players we had out last season at any given stage, particularly in that defensive department, was hard to take at times."

Cuellar also worked with O'Neill during his time at Aston Villa.