Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is remaining calm on the Premier League's proposal of staging some matches overseas.

The 20 Premier League clubs agreed unanimously on Thursday to examine proposals to expand the regular season and play 10 games overseas starting in 2010-11.

The news has met a mixed reception from fans and Quinn has urged people not to get carried away by the idea saying there is a long way to go before it becomes a reality.

Opportunity

"We have agreed to explore the opportunity, not to ratify it," Quinn told Sky Sports News."I think the time is right to explore the opportunity of bringing the brand around the world, but some people have jumped to conclusions.

"There's so much that needs to happen and maybe it's time people take a little bit of a breather on this.

"The governance of it has to be done very well. There are a lot of stakeholders to consult, the biggest one being our fans.

"But it's tantalising," he added. "And off the top of my head I would say it's the correct decision."

Quinn insisted Sunderland would only give their approval to the plan if all clubs in the top flight are treated equally.

"It will all boil down to the fact it's a Premier League thing and we're all equally treated," continued Quinn. "Certainly we would not be comfortable if we felt one club would be getting more than others.

"It has to be right for our football club."

Backing
Quinn also gave his backing to the news Premier League clubs will be allowed to name seven substitutes from next season.

"We voted for it," noted Quinn. "Tottenham Hotspur brought it to the table.

"Other clubs have started to do it around the world so it's the right time.

"It also helps allow us to have younger players on the bench without having to rely on them as much as we do now with only four outfield substitutes."