Sunderland boss Simon Grayson has suggested that new recruit Brendan Galloway will play a big part in the club's push for Premier League promotion next term thanks to his versatility.

The Black Cats dropped into the Championship last season after years of flirting with relegation, seeing their 10-year stay in the top flight come to an almost inevitable end.

Grayson has so far brought in just one player, signing Galloway on a season-long loan from Everton, but he is happy with the way the defender slotted in when being handed a 45-minute debut in the pre-season friendly with Hibernian.

"I thought he did okay. He was comfortable on the ball, defended well and got forward effectively at times," he told the Northern Echo. "To say it was the first time he has been with the group, he's only going to get better for us.

"He's a left-back that can play centre-half. You want versatile players. He can play on the left side of a three because I've played 3-5-2 quite a bit in my time. Players that are athletic, flexible and versatile are going to be a big bonus for us."

Sunderland, who drew their friendly encounter with Hibs 2-2 on Sunday afternoon, are without fellow full-back Bryan Oviedo for most of this month due to international commitments.