Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell has praised head coach Dick Advocaat as the club struggle to find a win in the Premier League this season.

The Black Cats have lost five and drawn two in England's top flight, while also conceding 23 goals in nine matches in all competitions.

Advocaat replaced Gus Poyet in the closing stages of the 2014-15 campaign, and after initially deciding to retire, the Dutchman made a U-turn and signed a permanent deal at the Stadium of Light.

"It was a bit of a shock when [Poyet] left," The Chronicle quotes Rodwell as saying. "When the manager who signs you leaves halfway through the season, you're kind of wondering, you wonder about everything.

"But then Dick Advocaat has come in and been brilliant for me. A new manager comes in and he's been great. The fans have backed him."

Sunderland will take on West Ham United at home this Saturday.