O´Shea impressed by new Sunderland signings

Sunderland defender John O’Shea is impressed by the quality of manager Paolo Di Canio’s nine new recruits ahead of the upcoming season.

The Republic of Ireland international has already had the opportunity to play alongside the new additions, and has seen Cabral and David Moberg-Karlsson instantly impress with goals in their side’s 3-1 win over Tottenham in the Asia Trophy.

Also among the arrivals are Emanuele Giaccherini, Modibo Diakite, Valentin Roberge and Vito Mannone, with O’Shea delighted with the business conducted by Di Canio.

“The quality of players that the manager has brought in is pleasing. Giaccherini has not been here long, but already you can see from his first touch he’s got that bit of class – it’s very pleasing on the eye,” he told the club’s official website.

“His link-up play with the strikers looks good and if we can get him fully fit and get Jozy Altidore banging in goals, alongside Sess (Stephane Sessegnon), who’s looking fantastic, it’s going to be exciting.

“We’ve got a lot more attacking options than we’ve had before, the new players, (Steven) Fletcher when he comes back, (Connor) Wickham and Ji (Dong-Won), who’s come back from Germany looking a lot sharper.

“There’s going to be a lot of competition for places, which can only be a good thing and should see us push our way up the table.”

The Premier League side, who narrowly avoided relegation last season after finishing in 17th place, have also seen a number of departures with Simon Mignolet’s switch to Liverpool to the most notable.

Danny Graham has left as well on loan to Hull City, but Di Canio’s impressive work in the close-season should leave the club well equipped for the new campaign, which begins against Fulham on August 17.