Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has insisted Paolo Di Canio's appointment as Sunderland manager is "another kick in the teeth" for young British managers.

Di Canio was handed the reins at Sunderland last weekend, replacing Martin O'Neill with seven league games remaining.

Wright thinks that the Italian's quick appointment proves that British bosses in the lower reaches of English football are continually overlooked for top jobs.

He told The Sun: "I have nothing against Paolo Di Canio, he was excellent at Swindon [Town] and I love his passion. He is clearly a character and the game always needs those.

"But he has only been a manager for 95 games and never managed above League One.
And the Italian's fast-track into the top flight is another kick in the teeth to those young British bosses who have been slaving away in the lower leagues for a lot longer in the hope of landing a Prem post.

"It must be so frustrating to be a British coach because they just do not get the chance. Owners remain fascinated with foreign names when the truth is they have no more ability, experience or potential than our lads."

Di Canio has declared that he is very confident of keeping Sunderland in the Premier League.