Gus Poyet has revealed that he is desperate to continue making progress at Sunderland after enjoying the highs and battling through the lows during his first year at the Stadium of Light.

The Uruguayan celebrates a year with the Black Cats this week, but he insists that there is more to come from the team as he targets an improved finish in the Premier League this season.

"I don't think we are more than halfway there in the job we want to do here. I believe there are plenty of things that need to improve, first as a team," Poyet told reporters. "That's the main part. The rest, for the club, we have more time.

"It doesn't seem like we have been here a year. It actually feels like seven years already.

"We have played a lot of games and had too many ups and downs. I think this second year has to be more consistent. You can play alright but if you lose games it doesn't matter how you feel. It has been stressful like that."

Sunderland return to action against Southampton next Saturday.