Former Cats star McAteer backs Ricky

FORMER Sunderland star Jason McAteer has backed the Black Cats' decision to appoint Ricky Sbragia as permanent manager.

Sbragia's successful stint as caretaker has earned him an 18-month contract -- and old boy McAteer says chairman Niall Quinn was right to ignore the calls for a "big-name" appointment.

"Ricky has done brilliantly," said McAteer, who spent three years at Sunderland while Sbragia was in charge of the reserves. "I don't think a high-profile name was needed. It required someone to bring a bit of stability to the club."

The brevity of Sbragia's contract has sparked speculation that the Black Cats may be looking to land a top foreign coach after the 2010 World Cup.

But McAteer added: "People need to believe in him and give him a go. He has all the credentials to become a top manager."