Sunderland captain John O'Shea has insisted that the January signings made by manager Gus Poyet in the transfer window have improved the squad.

O'Shea said that Poyet was sensible to bring in players that he already knew and as such the new signings have settled in well at the club.

"The manager knew all about the players he brought in in January," O'Shea told the Echo. "That was an important thing for him. He wanted players who could settle in quickly because of the position we're in.

"We needed to add quality to the squad too, to increase the competition, and I think he's done that. If you have competition, that will always be the key to a successful team."

Sunderland are currently 18th in the Premier League.