Sunderland have named Dutchman Dick Advocaat as head coach until the end of the season.

He replaces Gus Poyet who was sacked yesterday with the club one place and one point outside the Premier League relegation places.

Sixty-seven-year-old Advocaat is a former manager of Rangers in Scotland, as well as the national teams of his native Netherlands (twice), Belgium, Russia and South Korea.

A very #HappyStPatricksDay to all of #SAFC's Irish fans! pic.twitter.com/4cjOQKrDxK

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 17, 2015

"We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority and I can't wait to get started," said Advocaat.

"Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead."

The Black Cats have already played their two Premier league matches against Manchester United for this season.

Beats the standard scarf above the head shot I suppose.... #SAFC pic.twitter.com/34OXgb1cmY

— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) March 17, 2015