FC Midtjylland 0-1 Sunderland: Player Ratings

Kieran Westwood - 7

Westwood pressed his claim for the number one spot with a sold display between the sticks. His stunning point blank save from Frank Kristensen was a highlight, and will surely have caught the eye of Di Canio.

Carlos Cuellar - 6

With Gardner suspended for Sunderland's first Premier League game at home to Fulham, Cuellar looks in pole position for a starting birth at right back, by virtue of playing all 90 minutes of this game. This being his first pre-season appearence he looked a little rusty and vulnerable on a couple of occasions, but was generally solid. He also got into some very good attacking positions, showing Di Canio's commitment to forward pressing full backs.

Valetin Roberge - 8

Roberge was every the bit the cultured centre half he was advertised as. Surprising Sunderland fans by being a centre half who actually looks to pass the ball out from the back, the Frenchman was classy in possession and solid at the back, using his strength to ward off attacks from the home side.

John O'Shea (c) - 7

Another solid performance from the reliable skipper.

Jack Colback - 6

Like Cuellar, got into some excellent attacking positions, but was very rarely found by his teammates. Recieved a red card, but won't get a suspension, so he will be available for the season opener.

Adam Johnson - 7

Part of Sunderland's new, impressive front four, Johnson took his goal superbly and was a danger throughout, particularly from his crossing which was as accurate as its been in a long time.

Cabral - 7

Pre-season's breakout star produced another strong midfield performance.

Seb Larsson - 7

While reservations still remain about Larsson's abillity to perform in the middle, he produced a very good performance today. His passing was accurate and he was a danger from set-pieces again, though perhaps should have scored at one point

Emanuele Giaccherini - 8

The Italian international was magnificent today. More to come on him.

Stephane Sessegnon - 7

Not quite as on fire as he was the previous pre-season games, he still posed a threat. Played an important part in the goal, rattled the crossbar and created a number of chances for others. Still need to improve his finishing.

Jozy Altidore - 7

Led the line very effectively again, with his link-up play being top class. However he'll be disappointed he didn't find the net in pre-season.

El Hadji Ba - 6

Didn't make a huge impact on the game.

Connor Wickham - 5

Had a couple of efforts which went wide.

Modbio Diakite - 5

Our first glimpse of Diakite, but came on after Midtjylland's threat had faded, and so didn't have a lot to do. The good thing we can take from seeing him, is that he a) exists, and b) isn't fat.

David Moberg Karlsson - 6

The Swede proved once more that he could make an impact this season. Direct and quick, the winger was always looking to have a shot on goal.

Craig Gardner - 5

Didn't have that much time to do anything.

Mikael Mandron - 5

Showed some nice touches, but came on too late to make much of an impact.

Man of the Match: Emanuele Giaccherini

If this performance is anything to do by, then Giaccherini will certainly live up to his billing. The ex-Juve man used his skill to destroy the Midtjylland right side as he created a number of significant openings, produced a series of dangerous crosses, and played a very important part in the goal. Sunderland's biggest signing of the summer may well prove to be a bargain, as 'Wearside Giac' showed signs he's to become a fans favorite.