Lee Burge believes last weekend’s clean sheet against Oxford can give Sunderland a platform to build on going into Saturday’s game with Peterborough United.
The 27-year-old has conceded just one goal in three competitive games after being given the number one shirt at the beginning of the season.
Speaking to safc.com, the stopper revealed Sunderland’s strong defensive record is down to the whole unit and not just the rear-guard.
“We all know as a team we have to do those extra yards and give that extra 10 percent,” he said.
“The manager has been working with us at being solid as a unit and not just the backline, and it’s worked so far.
“It was great to get the clean sheet against Oxford after working so hard in training and hopefully there are many more to come this season.”
He continued: “I was delighted to get the number one shirt and now I have to push on and do as well as I can to help the team climb up the table.
“The lads in front of me look settled which has been a big positive, but there’s healthy competition for places among the group too.”
Peterborough have started the season with one win and one loss, following their opening-day defeat at Accrington Stanley with a late comeback victory over Fleetwood Town.
And while Burge admits the Posh possess great attacking threat, he believes it’s down to the Lads to play their own game and pick up the three points.
“We’ve got to be ready for Saturday because they’re strong opponents and we know the quality they have, particularly going forward,” he added.
“They’ll be coming into the game on a high after their win last week, but so are we and we need to focus on ourselves and make it difficult for them.
“They are always in and around the play-off places, so to pick up the three points would be a real boost.”