Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has insisted that he has no issues with captain John O'Shea despite his public criticism of the defender.

Di Canio made his frustrations with the Republic of Ireland international known when the skipper gave away a penalty and got sent off in the Black Cats' 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace before the international break.

"I am entitled to criticise John for making mistakes, but that does not mean I don't rate him," Di Canio told the Shields Gazette. "He is my best player, he is my captain.

"I said what I felt about his performance when I was asked a direct question about him after the Palace game, and I gave an honest answer. But it is crazy to think that all of a sudden his position is in question.

"I don't change my opinion of him from one game to another, he remains a very good player. He has my respect."

The North-East outfit currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with just one point.