Former Sunderland defender Michael Gray believes that Paolo Di Canio should have been given more time to get things right at the Stadium of Light.

The Italian was sacked by the Black Cats last night following a reported training ground bust-up with two senior players.

"I'm surprised that Paolo's lost his job," Gray told Sky Sports News. "You obviously don't get time in the Premier League to let the players gel, you've got to hit the ground running and obviously they haven't done that.

"It's been a disappointing start but I still think he should have been given a lot more time than he has been."

Sunderland have picked up just one point from five Premier League games this season.