DAVID Hopkin has backed old adversary Jack Ross to cope with the huge pressure of reviving Sunderland’s fortunes.

The pair enjoyed some good promotion battles in Scotland with Hopkin’s Livingston up against Ross at Alloa and St Mirren.

Tomorrow they cross swords again at Valley Parade as City host the League One promotion favourites.

Eyebrows were raised when Ross was named Black Cats boss in the summer – but Hopkin believes he can prove a shrewd appointment in the hottest of hot-seats.

The City head coach said: “He’s an intelligent man and has got something about him that he wants to show people he can do it.

“Sunderland have had four or five managers over the last four years and none of them have worked out.

“Jack was brave enough to go and take the challenge. You’ve got to take your hat off to him.

“It was probably an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

“The expectation is massive to win the league and go straight back up.

“They’ve got some fantastic players and a lot who have played Premier League football. He could probably pick two teams from his squad.

“That’s the main thing that will probably see them through the season.”

The pair were both promoted from the Scottish Championship last term – and Hopkin was initially tipped to succeed Ross at St Mirren before he made it clear he intended to follow him to England.

Hopkin added: “I’m glad that he’s come down and done well because it’s a tough job to do.

“We’ve had a few battles and I’ll be looking forward to seeing him again.

“He was at Alloa when I was first at Livingston and both of us were trying to get promoted from that league.

“Then he went to St Mirren and had a tough time to start with. But he got his own people in and did really well to get them promoted to the Premier League.

“He’s been given a fantastic opportunity at Sunderland, a massive club.

“I think he deserved it. He’s level-headed and a good coach.”

Hopkin celebrated his first win at the City helm in midweek. But Ross feels it is too early to judge his progress at the club having been appointed after the transfer window shut.

The Sunderland boss said: “To achieve back-to-back promotions is testament to David as a manager but it will take time for him to put his own style on the club.”

* Long-term injury victim Alex Jones was back in training yesterday. The City striker could possibly return to action in the Checkatrade Trophy game with Oldham next week.