Former Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe has praised his former club for the way they have performed this season, although admits they have not met his pre-season expectations.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, he also praised the work being done to change the ethos and atmosphere surrounding the club.

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“I think they’ve done well,” he told Football League World.

“I didn’t think it would be so difficult. I honestly thought they would really walk the league.

“But it’s difficult because they’ve tried to start again, get a completely new team and get rid of all the rotten stuff that’s been happening there.

“Hopefully from now until the end of the season they can make a real push and come back up because seeing Sunderland in League One doesn’t sit well with me.”

Anichebe only made 19 appearances for Sunderland during his one season with the club but still became a fan favourite in the process.

He is now a free-agent having left Beijing BSU after a short-spell with the Chinese Super League club.

Jack Ross’ side currently sit in third place in League One with 33 matches played, two points behind second-placed Barnsley but with a game in hand over the Tykes.

This weekend sees them welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light as they look to narrow the gap on the automatic promotion places and possibly move into them.