The 28-year-old midfielder is convinced that the Black Cats are on an upward curve and wants to be part of a Sunderland success story.

"I came here because I believed in the size and the potential of the club and because the manager persuaded me Sunderland had ambitious plans," he said.

"Nothing I have seen since arriving at the club has made me think any differently.

"The stadium and the academy are fantastic and everyone is very focused on the opportunity ahead this season.

"It's great to be a part of it and I'm very excited.

"I can't wait for the season to start, even though we have a tough start."

Tainio arrives at Sunderland with a reputation for versatility having played all across the middle of the pitch at Spurs as well as at right-back and left-back.

"I will play anywhere a manager wants me, just to be part of the team," he smiled.

"But there's no doubt that in some positions I am a lot better than in others.

"My best position is definitely central midfield and I know that's where the manager would like to play me most.

"I prefer to be the sitting player in midfield and that's the position I hope to play most, although I would say I am just as comfortable going forward in midfield. I am happy moving from one box to the other."

Tainio says the Liverpool game this Saturday is the sort of games he wants Sunderland fans to relish this season.

He said: "Liverpool are a top team and they have strengthened in the summer too, so they could make a real challenge for the Premier League title.

"But even the best teams get beaten from time to time and we have to believe we can beat them this weekend.

"These are the games that fans and players at Sunderland have to look forward to rather than fear.

"It doesn't get much better in football than a home game against a side like Liverpool to start the season off.

"I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that I get a chance to be involved this weekend because I can't wait to start doing my bit to help the club move forward again."