New skipper named

Sunderland AFC has confirmed that Jason McAteer's replacement as skipper will be influential defender Gary Breen.

Gaffer Mick McCarthy said that he'd asked Breen to be skipper because of his wealth of experience.

"He has the experience, he's the talker, he's played in World Cups and has lots of caps for his country - he's the team captain," McCarthy told SAFC.com.

Breen signed for Sunderland last summer and many supporters were unconvinced by the Republic of Ireland's ability to make an impression and questioned McCarthy's vision in signing him - but he quickly became a crowd favourite.

George McCartney had worn the captain's armband for much of last season after first-choice skipper McAteer was injured. The left-back rose to the challenge but Mick today admitted that it was always his aim for Breen to take over eventually.

To be fair to George, he agreed and said that if he was true to himself he thought Gary Breen should be the captain. George is disappointed to lose it but it's not an issue with him.

"George responded to the job last season and I championed him more than anyone - as a captain, a player and a person - and he's stayed here and signed a new contract."