Simon Grayson has urged his close-knit squad to battle on as they look to climb the Sky Bet Championship.
The 47-year-old takes his Sunderland side to Hull City on Saturday as they look to turn Tuesday’s frustrations into three points at the KCOM.
The Black Cats suffered midweek heartache as Nottingham Forest struck late on to punish Grayson’s side for not taking any of their changes, with Callum McManaman, Jonny Williams and George Honeyman all going close.
But Grayson is refusing to dwell on the disappointment of midweek, and is instead using it as fuel to inspire his players to go one step further this weekend.
“I was really pleased with how we played and when I watched the game back again we were really pleased with how we played,” he said.
“We were probably the most dominant we have been over a period in terms of how we affected the play and how we kept the ball.
“The one thing that was missing was (our ability) to put the ball in the back of the net.
“The players showed a lot of character and desire to respond from Saturday’s disappointing result and it was good to see they wanted to do well.
“We are all frustrated that we aren’t getting the results but ultimately it is an isolation of four games that we have lost because we were unbeaten in the five before that.
“If we play like we did on Tuesday night then the results will come.
“We have got to keep working and doing the right things,” he continued.
“Ultimately, we will get the victory. The lads are desperate to do well and they showed on Tuesday what they are capable of.
“The new lads will get fitter, signs will improve and we will turn this corner very quickly.”
