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Sunderland gave debuts to new signings Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher as they eased to victory against Morecambe in the second round of the League Cup.

Former Middlesbrough and Manchester City winger Johnson set up the opener, his corner headed in by James McClean.

Johnson then found McClean again as the Irishman added a second with a confident finish.

Lewis Alessandra came closest for League Two Morecambe, as they were comfortably outplayed by their hosts.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill had won this competition twice as a player and twice as a manager and he fielded a strong starting line-up.

The inclusion of winger Johnson and striker Fletcher gave Black Cats fans an early chance to see their new arrivals, with the former particularly impressive.

Having set up the opener, Johnson also had a shot beaten away before sending a free-kick narrowly over.

Alessandra saw a shot go narrowly wide in a rare chance for Morecambe before McClean wrapped up the tie with his second.

Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill: "I want Adam [Johnson] to go and attack players like he did tonight and get the crowd on their feet, which he is capable of doing.

"The further that we have him up the field, probably the better for us. If he is picking it up, as he does, wide right-hand side with 40 yards to go rather than 70 yards, then it's better for us, so we will try to encourage that."

Morecambe boss Jim Bentley: "It's always nice as a footballer to pit your wits against the best in the business.

"Sunderland have got an unbelievable amount of quality - the two new signings and Louis Saha, who's a bit of a hero of mine being an Evertonian, coming off the bench as well.

"They put a really, really strong side out and we acquitted ourselves well and gave them a good game."