Halford backs Black Cats

Greg Halford has backed Sunderland to out-perform Reading next season.

Halford ended his short stint with Reading when Roy Keane moved for him last month, having only joined The Royals from Colchester in January.

The 22-year-old is expecting Sunderland to surprise in the Premier League, just like his former club did last season.

"It obviously didn't work out at Reading so this is a fresh start," Halford said in the Daily Star.

"Sunderland's squad is definitely as strong as Reading's that stayed up last season.

"I think we've got better players here and we play better football. We're a passing team and that'll stand us in good stead."