Black Cats boss wants Danny Rose to continue his top-flight experience with Sunderland

Danny Rose has been backed to continue his Premier League education with Sunderland by Black Cats boss Martin O'Neill.

The England Under-21 star has been in impressive form at the Stadium Of Light this season after joining on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

And O'Neill wants to see the former Leeds United starlet see out the season in the north-east, despite Spurs being able to recall Rose in January.

He said: "Danny has improved immensely since he arrived and I think there's a bit more to come as well. He's got a bit of confidence now.

"When he first got here I think he was conscious of avoiding making too many mistakes. That was his focus.

"But he's playing with a bit more freedom now. He's feeling more confident. Initially he was happy just to give the ball to someone in front of him, but now he's looking to make things happen himself and he's doing very well."

The 22-year-old, who has represented England at U16, U17, U18 and U19 level, had previously found first-team chances hard to come by at White Hart Lane.

But O'Neill believes that the consistent run of games he's getting with Sunderland should see Spurs happy for him to remain with his squad.

"We have not spoken to Tottenham about it in any sort of formal way," he added.

"I think Tottenham are happy he's plying his trade here and I think Assou-Ekotto is coming into fitness now, so while they have the ability to recall him in January, they might feel they are well enough stocked now."