Former Sunderland chairman and iconic striker Niall Quinn has heaped praise on youngster Jobe Bellingham's incredible impact since arriving in the summer. The Black Cats swooped in to secure the signature of the younger Bellingham brother from Birmingham City and the midfielder is going from strength to strength with every passing game.

"I've watched Jobe Bellingham a lot since he arrived at Sunderland, and if you take him as an individual, it's as if the stage was just set for him," Quinn told Ladbrokes Fanzone. "He looks so comfortable playing the game, at such a young age.

"I can remember being his age, and being afraid to look at the first-team players. I'd be cleaning boots and looking down so they wouldn't look me in the eye! I think it's phenomenal that somebody his age can come in and be that solid. Not big headed, not flash, just solid.

"One of the great weaknesses we had at the Stadium of Light, in the early days, when the Kevin Phillips' of this world had moved on, when 49,000 people were turning up every week, loving the game, expecting success... players came in and weren't able to match those expectations.

"For a long period of time it was just too much for players to cope with up there. They found it very difficult to play in the Stadium of Light.

"And here we have, now, a whole new feel around the place. Players are stepping out and fans are delighted with their attitudes, and the type of football they're playing.

"And Bellingham leans into that brilliantly, you know? He's a breath of fresh air. To be like that, at his age, it's absolutely incredible.

"Look, there are so many positives up there, right now. The fans won't sit there and be happy with a mid-Championship status for the next few years, I can tell you that.

"But it's a process, and everybody believes in the process right now. I suppose their signing of players has been really good in terms of what they're trying to achieve.

"They're not just bringing players in because they're fashionable. They're finding players who fit into a system that's really easy on the eye. Bellingham is obviously one of those guys, but there are many more.

"Jack Clarke is another one... I won't single too many out, but there's a bit of hope in the air at Sunderland right now. It's good!"