Stead confident of survival

Sunderland's recent signing Jon Stead believes The Black Cats have an excellent chance of avoiding a swift return to The Championship.

The former Blackburn striker completed his £1.8 million move to The Stadium of Light on Monday, signing a four-year deal with the side.

Stead has great faith in Mick McCarthy's squad and feels their age and experience in the lower leagues will provide a solid footing next term.

"It's a young squad, but they're a great set of players," said Stead to Sky Sports News.

"Quite a few of them were bought from the lower league and they can definitely do a job.

"We've got a Premiership squad here so definitely the aim is to stay in The Premiership.

"He's [McCarthy] been after me for about 18 months now, so hopefully I can repay his faith in me.

"I think it [joining Sunderland] was more than just the feeling around the place.

"When I came to the ground I felt comfortable and that was a major factor."