Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has claimed that the 'simplicity' of Sam Allardyce's message in training is benefiting the team.

The Black Cats have scored five goals since Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat as manager.

Despite only winning one of their three games under their new boss, Defoe is impressed with his training sessions.

"Even before games, the manager gets things across in a really simple way - what it takes to win the game," The Chronicle quotes Defoe as saying.

"He is so experienced. I think the last two games is the fittest I have felt for a long time, with the extra things we are doing in training, the extra intensity and the work in the gym.

"We play a lot of 11 vs. 11, everything is match-based, so you know exactly what you need to do on matchday."

Sunderland's next game is against Southampton at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.