Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has urged his teammates to show "commitment and desire" for the remainder of the Premier League season.

The 28-year-old, who had a number of off-pitch issues under former manager Paolo Di Canio, has forced his way back into the side following rumours of a possible exit in the summer.

Since Gus Poyet arrived at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats have won two of their last four games, the latest being a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

"We've got to build on what we did against Manchester City," the Northern Echo quotes Bardsley as saying.

"That was a great win but there's still a long way for us to go and we've got to show the same commitment and desire that we showed in that game for the rest of the season now."

Sunderland will take on Stoke City this weekend.