JACK ROSS believes the 18 months he had as Sunderland manager made him stronger and more equipped to be a greater success in the managerial game after taking over at Hibernian.

Citing the fact he was also the Black Cats’ longest serving boss since Steve Bruce left in 2011, Ross has claimed to have taken over at Easter Road with the longer term in mind.

The former St Mirren manager has returned to his native Scotland in a bid to get his career back on track following his disappointing end to life on Wearside.

Ross was sacked by Sunderland after the 2-0 defeat at Lincoln on October 5, even though it was only the second time they had lost this season – and led to greater criticism of his methods from the fans.

He was hugely disappointed to have had his spell on Wearside cut short because he was convinced he could lead the club up through the divisions after missing out on promotion from League One via the play-off final last season.

The 43-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal with Hibs, said: “I'm a better manager than when I left Scotland 18 months ago. I know there will be big demands here. I think to carry that on a consistent basis and meet them is challenging.

"But I think you build up a belief and a resilience as a manager and I certainly feel the 18 months (at Sunderland) has helped me improve my ability to do that."

Ross also had an interview at Hibs' Edinburgh rivals Hearts but wanted to get something sealed quick.

Easter Road chief executive Leeann Dempster and sporting director Graeme Mathie, Ross says he was only focussed on the position at Hibs.

"Just by coincidence two very big jobs in Scotland were available at the same time," said former Hartlepool defender Ross. "However, once the process of trying to become Hibs manager began in earnest I was very keen to point out to Leeann Dempster (chief executive and Graeme Mathie (sporting director) how eager I was to get the opportunity and I remained consistent in that throughout the whole process."

Ross was paraded in front of the media for the first time at Hibernian on Monday and he will be charge for the Scottish Premiership clash at home to Motherwell this weekend. He is an ambitious manager but one who claims to be only focused on success at Hibernian.

"I want to be here for a number of years. I'm not here to use it as a stepping-stone or a platform," he said. "I want to be a successful Hibs manager and hopefully be here long-term.

"My last job was at a club with a high-frequency change of manager and I think I was the longest-serving since Steve Bruce (Sunderland manager from 3 June 2009 until 30 November 2011) so I think I did OK in that respect.

"I could have been there for longer but certainly the ambition (at Hibs) is to be here for a long time."

Ross has replaced former Darlington defender Paul Heckingbottom in the role after his exit a couple of weeks ago. His assistant Robbie Stockdale also left as Hibernian look to climb away from relegation trouble.

"The challenge is having to win football matches, as a manager and a club. Supporters want that but there are demands at certain clubs for how you do it,” said Ross.

"It's not like I'm not familiar with (Hibs), I've been here often enough as an opposition player, coach and manager. I've seen some really good sides so it's up to me to make sure I can provide a side that can satisfy the demands of the supporters."

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson confirmed earlier in the day that Hibernian are in talks to reunite coach John Potter with Ross at Easter Road.

He said: “There has been contact between the two clubs. I get on well with John. We are having talks this afternoon, the lure of him going back to Scotland is there and we will wish him all the best if he does.”