Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha offers utility role

Onuoha made his Sunderland debut against Birmingham last weekend

Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha believes he can become a versatile asset for boss Steve Bruce in the defensive positions this season.

Onuoha, 23, played at right-back in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Birmingham but is confident of comfortably slotting in anywhere across the back four.

"I think as long as I'm in the side I can fit into that position," Onuoha told BBC Newcastle.

"It doesn't bother me at all, the more you play the better you become."

The England Under-21 international made his Black Cats debut on loan from Manchester City in the season's opener at the Stadium of Light, forming part of a back-four with John Mensah, Titus Bramble and Kieran Richardson.

And Onuoha had mixed emotions following the game, which saw Sunderland let slip a two-goal lead to earn a point against Steve Bruce's former club.

"It was disappointing to not win the game after being 2-0 up, but it's the first game of the season,"

"Myself, Titus [Bramble] and a few others hadn't really played many games in pre-season so it was good for me personally to get through it.

"Next time hopefully we can get the result."

Sunderland travel to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Saturday, 21 August.