Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has praised the impact that Martin O'Neill has had on the club since his appointment as manager in December.

The Black Cats have moved up to tenth in the Premier League table after an indifferent start to the season under Steve Bruce.

"I think when he came in he gave everybody the chance again to prove themselves and he gave everybody a fresh start, and I think that's the big difference now, we won a lot of games and the confidence is there with all the lads," Mignolet told Absolute Radio.

"So hopefully we can keep that going and keep on the way we are at the moment."

Sunderland continue their league campaign on Saturday with a trip to Chelsea.

Click here for Sports Mole's preview of the match at Stamford Bridge.