Vito Mannone has urged his Sunderland team-mates to stay focused and keep cool ahead of Wednesday’s Stadium of Light showdown with Everton.
The Black Cats can renew their top-flight status for a tenth consecutive season with one win from their final two games, but with the red and white army behind them Mannone is aiming to get the job done sooner rather than later.
A sell-out support backed the Lads against Chelsea and they were nothing short of inspirational, and speaking to safc.com Mannone explained the need for a similar turnout against the Toffees.
“We need to maintain our heads and keep thinking straight, but we have regrouped and we are focussed on Wednesday because it is a massive game.
“I’m happy that we’re at home again because the crowd can really push us, and they’re why we’re really pushing, winning tackles and fighting for every single ball.
“This stadium can scare anyone,” continued Mannone. “It did that against Chelsea and hopefully it can do it again against Everton on Wednesday night.
“It felt unbelievable and I had a few sprints towards the supporters when we scored – hopefully they will show in the stats because I never usually have any!
“This crowd is the loudest you can find.”