Chris Coleman has challenged his players to end their wait for back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship when Barnsley come to town.
After a disappointing Boxing Day, victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday provided the perfect tonic as Sunderland returned to winning ways courtesy of Aiden McGeady’s unstoppable header.
Barnsley, meanwhile, rescued a late point at home to Reading as Ethan Pinnock struck in added time, but cause for concern remains with the Tykes now winless in 10 league games.
And speaking to safc.com at the City Ground, Coleman urged his players to once again rise to the challenge and produce the goods.
“Two games in three days is a tough ask both physically and mentally,” said the boss.
“It was a big boost for us to get three points away from home and we have to enjoy it, but we can’t for long and we’re already preparing for the next game in 48 hours.”
He continued: “It’s against a team that’s in and around us at home and there’s going to be a lot of tired legs on both teams.
“We have to try our best to at least emulate our intent from today and hopefully that will get us what we need.
"Teams above us will now be looking at us, but also at Burton, Barnsley, Bolton and Birmingham, even those teams six or seven points ahead of us.
"All we can do is take care of our business and keep chipping away."