SIR Geoff Hurst believes Sunderland have what it takes to cut it in the Premiership and has backed them to stay up, but hopefully not at the expense of his beloved West Ham.

The former England striker, who put six past Sunderland in an 8-0 win for West Ham in 1968, says Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy is well qualified to steer his side clear of relegation this season following their promotion from the Championship.

"I think for any club coming up it will be tough, the same as it will be for West Ham, but they get great support and if everybody pulls together I expect them to stay up," said Sir Geoff.

"Mick has good experience and has done well wherever he has been. He got them up last year, which was a terrific result in itself, and I expect, as a big club, they will stay up."

Sir Geoff also expects Graeme Souness at Newcastle to make his mark either this season or next.

"They have got a good squad, for me," he said. "They were always one of the big clubs and the support at Newcastle is fantastic and I would expect to see them up there, perhaps not to win it (the Premiership) but to be looking to qualify for one of the European competitions."

Souness has been under pressure almost from the off after replacing Sir Bobby Robson and is favourite to be the first manager to get the sack this season.

However, Sir Geoff believes he must be given time to turn things around.

"How long has he been there? Not long. He has got to be given time. He has got his own ideas and all the fans will be looking to see what he can do in the next year or two."

And Sir Geoff is sure that Middlesbrough under Steve McClaren can cement their position as the number one team in the North-East.

"They did a good job under Bryan Robson and the new guy has taken it on really well and I would expect them to be in the top third of the table once again," he said.

"He (McClaren) has a good reputation and has done very well for the club and I expect them to be in the top third of the division."

Whatever happens at the end of this season, Sir Geoff said it was just great to see all three sides battling it out in one of the best leagues in the world.

"It's a hotbed of football. It's a fantastic area, particularly with three clubs back in the top flight. It's brilliant for the area," he said.

"There's the individual rivalry, with fans not wanting to see the other clubs up there, but from a purely footballing point of view it's great to have three clubs from the North-East up there in the Premier League."