Billy Jones believes Sunderland must use the point gained against West Bromwich Albion as a catalyst to climb the Premier League, starting this Saturday at Stoke City.
With the international break in full swing, David Moyes and his backroom staff have had plenty of time to dwell on the Black Cats draw at home to the Baggies last time out.
While Nacer Chadli dampened spirits as he put the visitors in front on 35 minutes, steely grit and determination saw the Lads strike back as Patrick van Aanholt deservedly earned Sunderland a point.
And as Jones looks to get up to speed, following 90 minutes of action in the Black Cats Checkatrade Trophy win at Hartlepool United last Tuesday, the full back feels momentum is key ahead of the next batch of Premier League fixtures.
“We have got the international period now to regroup and look at the games coming up,” he said.
“If you’re strongest starting XI was always fit and available it would be a different story but we have got to regroup with the team spirit we’ve always had.
“It’s a massive phase coming up for the team and we have to go into that and work hard.”
He continued: “It’s going to be a tough little phase but you look at these games and you have to try and come up with a target and that will be our aim.
“We just need to show the same consistency and resilience from the back end of last season and I’m sure we will be fine.”
