Yann M'Vila's performances for Sunderland have brought about praise from the club's manager Dick Advocaat.

The Dutchman believes that the on-loan 25-year-old, who has scored one goal in four appearances for the Wearside outfit, possesses the fighting spirit required for a potential relegation battle.

"He can control the game and he is a passer with great vision. I haven't seen that temper in our games so far. He's from the street. If something happens on the street, everybody helps each other. Everybody fights," Advocaat told the club's official website.

"That's the way it is, although of course you can't do that on the pitch. Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira were the same. You can't change them, but M'Vila is a good player for us.

"I only see the games he's playing and he needs a little bit more [fitness-wise]. But he's been a really good addition to the squad."

Advocaat revealed that he is happy with his team's character, despite the club sitting in 19th position in the league ahead of their away clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.