Former Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia has been appointed as Steve Bruce's new chief scout.

The Wearsiders today confirmed the Scot had agreed to head up the club's coaching set-up, after being promised a job for life following his stint as manager last season.

Bruce said: "Ricky has a wealth of knowledge and experience and I'm delighted that he will be heading up our scouting operation.

"He has a vast network of contacts and he knows just what it takes to be a successful footballer at this club, so I'm sure he will be a fantastic asset to our backroom team."