Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is confident he can persuade Djibril Cisse to stay at the Stadium of Light. Cisse is on a season-long loan from Marseille and reports have subsequently claimed the former Liverpool forward is unsure about his future.

"It's up to us to keep him," said Sbragia in the Sunday Mirror.

"He has done exceptionally well for us.

"Until we get to the situation where we are safe it is difficult to do anything. But there is no recall clause and he will be our player until May 31.

"If we're safe with six games to go he can speak with Niall Quinn about what we'll do for him.

"If he scores 15 or 20 goals why look for someone else?

"I know Nicolas Anelka went to Bolton and did well, but I always thought he was set on climbing the ladder. Djibril could be the same, but I hope we can persuade him to stay."