Intro:

Gus Poyet on Sunderland's English Premier League trip to "outstanding" Southampton - and an eventful week for his captain John O'Shea who scored for the Republic of Ireland against Germany before signing a contract extension at the club.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (English) Gus Poyet, Sunderland manager (on Southampton):

"We're playing against more than a decent team. Maybe too many people wrote Southampton off because of the players they lost - but somehow Ronald Koeman put an idea there and players have adapted very, very quickly to the Premier League. They've been outstanding. If I'm not wrong they've conceded the least goals in the league which shows they are very difficult to play against. I think it may be a game where the first goal is the most important one. We're really looking forward to playing this game against one of the top teams at the moment."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Gus Poyet, Sunderland manager (on John O'Shea's late equaliser for Ireland against Germany and signing a two-year contract extension):

"Yeah, a great week. A fantastic week for John. I don't know what's better really, you need to ask him. The extension, the contract I suppose is very good but that goal against Germany, in Germany was very special as well. He looks a very happy player right now - so let's hope he can help us in the next few years."