Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner has hailed his team's character during their 2-2 draw against Southampton.

The Black Cats fought back from two goals down to secure a point at the Stadium of Light, and Gardner believes that they showed their qualities in a clinical display.

"It's a big result for us," he told the club's official website. "Coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 shows great character and we almost went on to win the game.

"It was a great performance and we showed some real quality to pull back. The head coach really encourages everyone and the players all want to do well for each other.

"We know we've still got a lot to do but it's an important point to keep us in the mix. We were a lot more clinical today; we kept calm and took our chances."

Following today's result, Sunderland are 19th in the Premier League table.