Sunderland

THE ESSENTIAL

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill will take nothing for granted as he looks to guide his side into the FA Cup fifth round at the second attempt.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that Sunderland were wrong to sack Steve Bruce. The Black Cats parted company with Bruce following a poor start to the season and Wenger said:"I think it is a mistake because the one to question at Sunderland is certainly not Steve Bruce."

Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy has completed his loan move to Watford. The 31-year-old who joins initially for a month, hasn't played for the Black Cats in 21 months.

Nicklas Bendtner joined Sunderland from Arsenal because of Steve Bruce, the striker has revealed. The Dane played under Bruce in the 2006-07 season while on loan at Birmingham.

Steve Bruce has said that he's concerned about Sunderland's goal shortage after they were beaten 1-0 at Brighton in the Carling Cup second round.

George McCartney has gone back to West Ham United after signing on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland. The 30-year-old left the Hammers in 2008.

David Vaughan has finalised his free transfer move from Blackpool to Sunderland by signing a three-year deal with the Black Cats.

Steve Bruce's vision for the future was what persuaded John O'Shea to leave Manchester United, according to the defender.

Wes Brown has completed his transfer from Manchester United to Sunderland, signing a four-year contract on Wearside.

Steve Bruce has pulled off a major breakthrough in his summer transfer policy by confirming the signings of Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson, from Coventry and Birmingham respectively.