Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe admits he is enjoying life under new manager David Moyes.

The Scot succeeded Sam Allardyce as manager at the Stadium of Light last month, and he was unfortunate to suffer defeat in his first competitive match at the helm, as Paddy McNair’s late own goal saw Manchester City secure a 2-1 win over the Black Cats last weekend.

Despite that defeat, Defoe insists he has seen enough from the new manager to be positive about the rest of the campaign, and he admits that the whole squad are enjoying the passing style that the former Everton boss has brought to the club.

“The new manager has come in and things have changed – different methods, different way of play and different training – but things are really good,” Defoe told Sky Sports.

“There’s a lot of possession in training, which the boys enjoy, and we’re really organised. The manager is very hands-on with the players in terms of coaching and we’ve enjoyed it, it’s been good so far.”

Sunderland will be looking to earn their first points of the campaign when they play host to North East rivals Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, and Defoe is anticipating a tough match against the Premier League new boys.

He added: “I’m looking forward to Sunday’s game, obviously it’s going to be a tough derby against Middlesbrough, who are back in the Premier League.”

The Black Cats are available at 2.50 to secure the bragging rights, in what is the first Wear-Tees derby since 2012, while Boro are on offer at 3.00 and the draw is priced at 3.10.