Westwood excited ahead of new season

Keiren Westwood believes Paolo Di Canio’s revolution at Sunderland will pay dividends this season.

The Italian manager has made eight new signings ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, with the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Jozy Altidore joining from Serie A champions Juventus and Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar respectively.

Sunderland only just avoided the drop by finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, with a late-season run of good form helping them to end three points clear of relegated Wigan

However, goalkeeper Westwood expects the quality of the new faces arriving at the Stadium of Light will ensure they are not battling at the bottom again.

“There are a lot of new signings in the squad and we’re evolving to the way the manager wants us to play,” the Ireland international told the club’s official website.

“The lads who were here when he arrived last season know what he (Di Canio) expects from us and now it’s up to the new players to get up to speed.

“Cabral (signed from Basel) impressed me against Spurs and I think Jozy (Altidore) will make an impact.”