Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe has praised the impact of manager Sam Allardyce following his arrival at the club.

The Black Cats had failed to win any of their opening nine Premier League matches, but since the former Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United boss took charge they have won two of their last four fixtures.

They further boosted their hopes of avoiding another relegation battle by claiming a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace this evening, with Defoe quick to pay tribute to Allardyce for the work ethic he has instilled in the players.

"The lads worked hard. We put the work in during the international break and it paid off," Defoe told Sky Sports News.

"I got that little bit of luck that you need for the goal and I was just delighted. The manager has been fantastic. He has got the lads working hard."

Defoe scored the winning strike against the Eagles at Selhurst Park to take his tally to seven goals for the Black Cats this season.