Paolo Di Canio will motivate Sunderland - Andre Villas-Boas

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes Paolo Di Canio can "steer" his Sunderland players towards relegation safety this season.

The former Swindon boss replaced Martin O'Neill as Sunderland manager on Sunday with the club in 16th position just one point above the relegation zone.

However, Sunderland's league form has been over shadowed recently by the controversy surrounding the Italian's appointment, including speculation about whether he holds fascist beliefs, which he has since denied.

Villas-Boas was speaking at a news conference ahead of Tottenham's Europa League quarter-final with FC Basel at White Hart Lane.