Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has put his faith in the club's youth players, and says that they are capable of making the step up to Premier League football.

James McClean repaid O'Neill's faith in him last season as he became an important part of Sunderland's midfield, and the manager believes that there are other gems to unearth in the Black Cats' ranks.

"I've enjoyed watching the young players train and play, and it was great to get the opportunity to do so," the Shields Gazette quotes O'Neill as saying.

"I've been very impressed with what I've seen, and in terms of them going on to be Premier League players, I don't see why not for many of them."

O'Neill pulled Sunderland clear from relegation danger into 13th last season.