Jason McAteer has urged Sunderland’s players to give their all for the shirt and put everything into the final stages of the Premier League season, regardless of what the future holds.
The Blacks Cats currently sit 12 points from safety with five games remaining, but the former Sunderland and Liverpool midfielder insisted they can’t give up and must show the supporters how much it means to play for the club.
Merseyside-born McAteer will return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday in a media capacity, with the Black Cats entertaining AFC Bournemouth in a must-win crunch-match.
And speaking ahead of the game, the former Republic of Ireland international said it’s up to the players to stand up and play with pride.
“It’s not an easy position to be in,” said McAteer. “I was injured for a lot of the season when we were relegated in 2003, but I came back towards the end and I really felt like we let the fans down.
“You can roll out clichés and say the right things, but it all comes down to what you do on the field between now and the end of the season, so the players need to stand up and give 100%.”
He continued: “Much like it is on Merseyside, football is a way of life up in Sunderland and people work hard to make sure they can support their team.
“I understand the frustration, but the season isn’t over and the players have to keep fighting and put in positive performances regardless of what happens.
“The fans will be looking at the players tomorrow and saying ‘what are you going to give me’, so the boys need to make sure they’re on it.
“You can have an off day – and when you’re down there luck just isn’t on your side, I know I’ve been there – but one thing you have to do, particularly up here, is give 100%.
“You can miss a chance or you can misplace a pass, but you have to give your all for the shirt and show you care.
“You have to fight until it’s mathematically impossible because we’ve got out of jail before.”