Chris Coleman has thrown the gauntlet down and urged his players to write another chapter in their season by taking three points off Burton Albion on Saturday.
Despite an upturn in performances over the last five games, Sunderland find themselves six adrift at the bottom with just three matches left in the Sky Bet Championship.
While Coleman’s side have suffered defeat just once in that time, they have been forced to swallow a bitter pill not once but three times as they have conceded the lead which has seen them drop six precious points.
And with time now running out on the Black Cats’ season, the 47-year-old has called on his players to step up to the mark once more and ensure come Saturday evening they are still battling away.
“The last five games there has been that consistency there, but we should have six more points,” he said.
“It would make a hell of a difference, but we have just got to keep doing what we are doing and keep that level of consistency.
“Psychologically things could change a lot at the weekend so whichever way it changes we have to deal with it.
“Going into it we have got to keep doing what are doing, always being in games and showing a bit of character when we are up against it.
“Five o’clock on Saturday evening will tell a story.
“It could be one or the other we just don’t know yet. We are still fighting, and we are still in there so let’s see what the story is at 5pm on Saturday evening.
“For both teams it is a do or die case. We have got to approach the next game like it is our last.
“It is our last chance on Saturday to keep the fight going so we can forget Fulham and Wolves. All that matters is our match against Burton Albion.”
Paddy McNair returned to the Sunderland side at Derby County on Good Friday and has played a major role in helping to orchestrate the upturn in performances.
Scoring in each of his last two appearances as well, including a scorcher at Reading last Saturday, Coleman has hailed the importance of keeping the 22-year-old fit between now and May 6.
“What Paddy brings to us has helped change things. His physicality and energy has been very, very good.
“In each of the last five games we have almost doubled the amount of shots at goal than the opposition.
“There has been a good energy about the team. What we have done for five games is said this is how we are going to go. I haven’t changed anything in terms of the tactics.
“When you have got a Paddy McNair in your team he can cope with the demands and he has been fantastic.
“He is over his serious injury and he is now looking like the player we all know he can be.”