McAteer handed captains armband

The Republic of Ireland midfielder, surprisingly left-out of Brian Kerrs squad for the friendly with Australia later this month, will lead out Sunderland for the first time in the opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday having skippered the side in all of their pre-season fixtures.

"It's a job I will enjoy and I count it as an honour to captain Sunderland," he told the clubs official website.

"I class Mick McCarthy as a friend as well as my manager and I want to see him succeed.

"As one of the more experienced players here and as captain, it's my job to help the manager.

"I don't see the job heaping more pressure on me. In fact, it's the opposite, it means I will worry about other players more than myself."