Sunderland captain John O’Shea has called on the club's hierarchy to back manager Chris Coleman with funds in the January window.

The former Wales boss knows that reinforcements are desperately needed however he has stressed on multiple occasions that the Wearside outfit will be working on a strict budget this month, and may need to settle for loan signings.

However, Ireland international O’Shea is hopeful he will be backed.

Our objective is get out of there, but the manager is going to need help from the owner. Fingers crossed he'll get that but if he doesn't we have to put up everyone that's here,” he told BBC Newcastle.

The Black Cats go into the weekend’s game away to Cardiff bottom of the league but the experienced defender is confident Sunderland will get out of trouble but acknowledged how tough the league is.

The way the Championship is, with a couple of results we can be out of the relegation zone very quickly, and that's the aim. This is my first season in the Championship as a pro and it's a very competitive league, as I've watched and seen and heard about.”

The Verdict

Sunderland need to be very active this month but you do fear for them given the financial restraints that Chris Coleman is under.

As John O’Shea says, the manager needs all the backing he can get and the loss of Lewis Grabban has made this month even harder for the Black Cats.

However, Coleman knew the situation when he arrived so he was prepared to deal with it.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.