SUNDERLAND manager Alex Neil has confirmed that midfielder Corry Evans will remain as the club's captain for next season.

The 31-year-old, who led the side to promotion from League One last season, will wear the armband for the forthcoming Championship campaign which begins on Sunday against Coventry City.

After signing on a free transfer, Evans had to contend with a number of injury problems in the opening months of the season. However, the Northern Irishman did finish the campaign with 43 appearances and was a mainstay in the team under Alex Neil, who took over in February.

Neil told BBC Radio Newcastle tonight's Total Sport phone-in: "We're going to stick as we are.

"Corry has been a great captain for us. In the run-in (of last season), I thought he performed phenomenally but we do have a lot of leaders.

"I think there are leaders in different senses. I thought Bailey Wright was a big presence for us towards the end of the season. I thought Alex Pritchard, in his own way. lead that front line so we've got to many.

"(Lynden) Gooch has been here for a long time. He knows what it means and you can see that final. I could run through a whole host of players but I don't think you need to change something when it's not broken.

"At the moment, we have got a really good group. They are comfortable in terms of who leads that group."

Meanwhile, the club are hopeful of pushing through a deal for Everton striker Ellis Simms.

After having a number of Championship clubs to choose from, Simms, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Hearts, has decided to make a move to the Stadium of Light with Sunderland keen to bolster their attacking ranks with just Ross Stewart standing alone as their option in attack.

The Black Cats are also looking to complete a deal for fellow Toffees striker Nathan Broadhead who has not been involved with Frank Lampard's side during pre-season.