John O’Shea has urged his team-mates to stick together ahead of Tuesday’s Emirates FA Cup replay against Burnley.
The cup clash provides a chance for Sunderland to bounce back from their Premier League defeat against Stoke City, but there is an added spice for the Black Cats who will have a point to prove at Turf Moor.
David Moyes’ side were the better team when the sides met in the initial tie at the Stadium of Light, but they were second best on New Year’s Eve as Sean Dyche’s men romped to a 4-1 win.
Victory would set up a fourth-round tie against lower-league opposition – Fleetwood Town or Bristol City – and O’Shea admits a Turf Moor win would be the perfect antidote following Saturday’s defeat.
“When you see the draw for the next round you know we have a chance of doing well in this competition, but it won’t be easy and Burnley will provide a tough test having picked up another good result at home last weekend.
“As a team we have to go there, be a lot more clinical and, most importantly, be solid at the back, but if we can do that and cut out the errors we’ll give ourselves a great chance.”
He continued: “The squad is picking itself at the moment because of the injuries we have, so we need to pull together and help any of the younger players if they’re given a chance.
“We know what we’re going to face and we’re in for a battle, but first and foremost we have to get back to winning games and the sooner we do that the better.
“If we can do that on Tuesday night we’ll head into the West Brom with plenty of confidence.”