Sunderland’s performance at Old Trafford can be the foundation for success at Burnley, according to Billy Jones.
The defender was delighted to return to the starting XI for the Boxing Day trip to Manchester United after missing last week's win over Watford, with the Lads turning in a largely positive performance despite tasting defeat at the Theatre of Dreams.
Next up, Sunderland face Burnley in a highly-anticipated New Year’s Eve’s clash at Turf Moor, and, with an added splash of creativity, Jones has backed the Black Cats to end 2016 on a high.
“It’s a massive positive to come straight back into the team especially considering the lads won against Watford,” said the defender.
“I was waiting for the decision and it was nice to be given the nod, but look at how well Donald did because it shows that strength in depth and I think it’s great for the squad.”
He continued: “We have to show all the positives from Boxing Day’s game and be more clinical when we get our chances in the final third.
“We also need to create more because we know that with the lads we’ve got up they’ll take their chances if they get opportunities, but we need to keep it tight at the back as well.
“If we can go there and keep a clean sheet it would give us a great chance of winning the game.”