Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill has told his players to take courage as they attempt to end their depressing slump.

David Meyler has spoken of his desire to stay at Sunderland amid interest from a host of Championship clubs.

Sunderland defender Wes Brown was today heading back to Wearside fearing yet another lengthy injury lay-off.

At one point during yesterday’s squad announcement for the friendly against Serbia in August, Giovanni Trapattoni said of certain players’ situations “never say never”.

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is determined to keep midfielder Craig Gardner on Wearside despite suitors looking to cash in on his homesickness.

A university lecturer was arrested today over phone-hacking at the News of the World.

John O'Shea will be fit for the Republic of Ireland's Euro qualifiers against Slovakia and Russia in September, despite picking up a hamstring injury in his first match for Sunderland.

Steve Bruce has promised his summer transfer blitz will not prevent the club's youngsters from getting their chance.

Sweden midfielder Seb Larsson is attracting interest from four Barclays Premier League following his release from Birmingham, according to his agent.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will step up his search for strikers this summer as he resigns himself to being without Fraizer Campbell for a year.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has angrily denied claims that he is a racist after defender Marcos Angeleri accused him of overlooking him because he is not English.

Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole will return to action in a training ground game at the weekend as he prepares to make his latest comeback from injury.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed after defender Michael Turner suffered a setback on his return from injury.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has urged captain Lee Cattermole to follow the example of Patrick Vieira as he attempts to clean up his act.

Sunderland have made a bid to sign England goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan from Manchester City.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce today confirmed he has held talks with Sol Campbell but insisted the former England international is just one of his options as he bids to strengthen his defence over the summer.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has revealed manager Steve Bruce will not have a fixed transfer budget this summer.

Defender Alan Hutton is hoping to make his loan move from Tottenham to Sunderland permanent in the summer.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has admitted an interest in signing South American hot-shot Salvador Cabanas with number one target Kevin Kuranyi now expected to stay at Schalke.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has dismissed claims he has made a £5m bid for Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was dealt a fresh blow today when it was confirmed that defender Anton Ferdinand could be sidelined for at least a month.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is still struggling to contain his anger at last Saturday’s defeat at former club Wigan.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed after Kenwyne Jones’ return to action was ended prematurely by a dead leg.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has revealed key midfielder Lee Cattermole will be out of action for at least 12 weeks.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will take his time before deciding whether to offer Boudewijn Zenden a contract at the Stadium of Light.

Albania international Lorik Cana has been appointed Sunderland’s new captain.

Striker Fraizer Campbell is backing Michael Turner to make a major impact at Sunderland this season.

Steve Bruce has insisted landing the Newcastle manager’s job was never his dream.

Sunderland striker Daryl Murphy has revealed his disappointment at discovering he had been dropped from the Republic of Ireland squad through the media.

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is hoping winger Carlos Edwards can help provide the ammunition to ease the club away from the fight against relegation.

Djibril Cisse’s proposed permanent move to Sunderland could be threatened by the global credit crunch after his price tag rose by up to £3m (€3.36m).

Sunderland will draw up a shortlist of candidates to replace Roy Keane later this week – but former boss Peter Reid will not be on it.

THE number of Irish football fans travelling to Sunderland to support Roy Keane will “dramatically decrease” following his departure as manager, according to a Cork-based sports travel agent.

SUNDERLAND midfielder Andy Reid insists there is no need for panic as he and his team-mates attempt to dig themselves out of a hole.

Sunderland midfielder Andy Reid insists there is no need for panic as he and his team-mates attempt to dig themselves out of a hole.

IF YOU are one of the thousands of Irish fans who have travelled to Sunderland supporting the Black Cats in the Premiership, you may have met Tony Jeffries, the British boxer who faces Kenny Egan in an Olympic light heavyweight semi-final tomorrow night.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn insists there is no rush for Roy Keane to agree a new contract.

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn insists his club will not buy Irish players just for the sake of it.

Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones will have the chance to boost his goals tally from the penalty spot next season.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane will not rush into action as he attempts to bolster his squad for the new season.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has admitted he cannot wait to put this season behind him after Saturday’s demoralising defeat at Bolton.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane had admitted he has paid the price for having to use players when they are not fully fit.

Sunderland skipper Dean Whitehead has pleaded with referees to give his side a break.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is backing former team-mate Andy Cole to bring goals and experience to his side as he closes in on a Barclays Premier League debut for the Black Cats.