Jack Ross has warned his players not to underestimate Shrewsbury Town.
Last season’s play-off finalists haven’t recaptured the form that led them to Wembley in May, but the Sunderland boss believes his side will face a stern test at the New Meadow.
The Lads head into Saturday’s game fifth in Sky Bet League One, and after a rare weekend off due to the international break, Ross challenged his players to build on their unbeaten run.
“I think they’ll be frustrated that they have managed to quite continue that momentum from last season, but equally they’re still a good side.
“They proved that with the success they had last year over the course of the season, so it’s another difficult game for us, every single game is.”
He continued: “I think there’s probably two sides of looking at it [the international break].
“We were obviously in a decent vein of form and started to build a little bit of momentum, but equally we were going to be without important players.
“We go into an important week knowing that if we continue in the manner of the performances that we have done, and keep producing positive results, then we’re going to stay at least where we are and hopefully then progress upwards again.
“Selling out our allocation is an outstanding show of loyalty, but as always, it brings a greater intensity to the game and creates that almost cup-tie environment.
“So, we expect that Saturday to begin with and obviously Tuesday when it comes around.”