John O'Shea hoping for transfer boost for struggling Sunderland

"The injuries are tough but also in adversity too, players have to step up and take responsibility."

John O'Shea is keeping his fingers crossed that manager David Moyes will get "a bit of help" during the January transfer window as Sunderland battle relegation once again.

Chief executive Martin Bain painted a bleak picture last month when he revealed Moyes would have "very limited" funds with which to rebuild his squad, although the Scot has since been encouraged by conversations with owner Ellis Short that there may be a little more leeway than was first thought.