O'Neill in talks to take over at Stadium of Light

Martin O'Neill was deep in negotiations with Sunderland on Friday as Sir Alex Ferguson issued a ringing endorsement of his credentials. The 59 year old met chairman Ellis Short for a second time in an attempt to thrash out a deal after positive talks on, albeit talks that broke up without an agreement in place. It is understood progress has been slow as the fine details are discussed, and that negotiations could continue past the weekend. However, if the former Northern Ireland international does finally put pen to paper to replace Steve Bruce - dismissed on Wednesday - he will do so with the blessing of Manchester United manager Ferguson. Asked about O'Neill's candidacy, the Scot said: "Martin has a very good track record. The job he did at Villa Park was excellent, he did a great job at Celtic, he won the League Cup with Leicester, so Martin has got the experience to do well." O'Neill has been out of the game since leaving Aston Villa on less-than-friendly terms in August last year, but enjoys popular support in Sunderland. His name has been on the lips of the majority of supporters whenever the post has become vacant, and they will hope the outstanding issues can be resolved to allow an appointment which would bring new hope to Wearside. A dismal start to the season has yielded another derby defeat to Newcastle and just two victories in 13 Premier League games, the 11 points gathered leaving the Black Cats 16th in the table, only two points clear of the relegation zone. Sunday's visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers and next weekend's clash with lowly Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light will be followed by a series of more testing fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers away and Everton and Manchester City at home. Sunderland desperately need a marked upturn in fortunes to avoid heading into the new year facing a battle for top-flight survival. In the meantime, Bruce's assistant Eric Black will take charge of team affairs. He and the players received a visit from former chairman Niall Quinn, who informed them of the latest developments at the Academy of Light on Friday morning, and the Scot quickly turned his attention to the game at Molineux. Black told the club's official website: "It is important that everyone is focused on the game and prepares in the right manner, so that's what we will be concentrating on. Naturally it's a difficult time, but we have to be professional and get on with the job in hand."