Sbragia says Cats lack natural leader

Apr 5 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

He said: “For all people think we have a lot of Premiership experience, we don’t really. I know we brought in some more experienced players last summer, but we still lack experience in vital positions.

“And I think we’ve been caught a few times as a result, such as against Spurs the other week when we were trying to protect a one-goal lead in the last minute, but couldn’t do it. We need people with a bit more presence in general – not just physical presence.”

The Black Cats are still fighting for survival but Sbragia has already started running the rule over potential summer signings, watching Bosnia beat Belgium last Saturday and then Germany’s win over Wales in midweek.

But until Sunderland know whether their Premier League status is safe, Sbragia cannot make firm transfer plans.