O´Shea targets four more wins for Sunderland

John O’Shea believes Sunderland can build on their strong start to life under Paolo Di Canio and secure four more wins in the Premier League this season.

Di Canio’s side face Aston Villa, Stoke, Southampton and Tottenham before the season ends and the 31-year-old defender feels that gaining 12 points from these fixtures is a possibility, given their recent form.

“The next four games, the performances that we have shown, we are confident going into these matches,” the Republic of Ireland said.

“But first and foremost, we took the Chelsea step – we were unlucky we didn’t get a point at least; we focused on Newcastle, we got the three; we focused on Everton, got the win, and we are just focusing on Villa.”

O’Shea also paid tribute to new manager Di Canio, saying the Italian’s influence has got them more switched on which, in turn, has brought about six points from a possible nine.

He explained: “The lads see in what the manager prepares, whether it be little videos on the opposition, little things he thinks we can hopefully take advantage of, and when the lads see it happening in games and watch it back on videos.