Sunderland make Sbragia permanent manager

(CNN) -- Premier League Sunderland have promoted caretaker-boss Ricky Sbragia to the job of manager in succession to Roy Keane.

The 52-year-old has been awarded an 18-month contract by chairman Niall Quinn having led the north-east club to two wins and a draw with his only defeat coming at Manchester United.

"Ricky Sbragia is a thoroughly professional football person," Quinn told PA Sport -- with Sunderland playing at Everrton on Sunday.

"We have been taken aback by how easily he has slotted into the managerial role and are really heartened by his intelligent approach in dealing with the players and the day-to-day rigours of the job.

"Ricky took up the reins when we were at low ebb and has without doubt revitalised the club.

"He is the unanimous choice of the executive board and will receive every support in his new role. The ownership of the club have also fully endorsed the appointment.

"I'm sure all of our fans, and the players too, will give Ricky their full backing in his first senior management position."

Keane quit earlier in December after 27 months and the appointment of Sbragia came at a board meeting on Saturday morning following the goalless home draw against Blackburn.

in the wake of yesterday's 0-0 home draw with Blackburn, which followed victories over West Brom and Hull.

Sbragia said: "I'm delighted to have been offered the opportunity to manage a club as big as Sunderland and I'm relishing the challenge ahead.

"My main priority is moving up the Premier League table and ensuring we have unity and stability at the club.

"I've been extremely pleased by the commitment shown by the players to date and the support we have all received from the fans. We travel to Merseyside this afternoon and I can hardly wait."

Sunderland have been linked with several names, but Quinn and his fellow directors are clearly delighted with results under Sbragia, who joined the club as first-team coach a year ago.