Gus Poyet has said that he believes Emanuele Giaccherini will be able to play in four different positions for Sunderland this season.

The Italian, who joined the club from Juventus last summer, is yet to start a match in the Premier League this season.

However, the Black Cats' manager told the Sunderland Echo: "To have him back is fantastic for us because this is the best I've seen him. Throughout pre-season, and since he's come back from an injury setback, he has been great.

"I think Giacchy can be used in four positions. He's capable of playing in the two wide roles and the two central midfield ones. In terms of how we use him, it will depend on the individual game and what we want out of it. But, yeah, I'm very pleased with Giacchy.

"It's a better position for us to be in as a club now than we were previously. The reality is that there are are going to be two or three very good players for us who are out of the squad against Tottenham [next Saturday] simply because we can't put everyone who deserves to be in the squad on the teamsheet."

Giaccherini featured in 23 Premier League matches for Sunderland in his first season at the club.