Birmingham City boss Steve Cotterill has warned his players about the quality Sunderland possess ahead of Saturday’s trip to Wearside.
Cotterill, a former coach at the Stadium of Light, returns to the north east this weekend with his Blues side who are without a win in their last five.
Bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, Cotterill has played down his side’s current position, admitting there are plenty of matches left to turn the club’s latest plight around.
However, if they are to secure their first win on the road in the league this season the 53-year-old has acknowledge his team will have to overcome a side rich in 'Premier League player experience.'
"They're a vastly experienced team and have still got a lot of their Premier League players,” Cotterill said.
“They're hard-working and organised and the experience they've got through the team is very strong.
“At the start of the season a lot of people thought they were going to be higher up the table, much like us.
“There are plenty of points and games up for grabs. There is over half a season to go and a lot can change.
“As I've said before I think there have been some games where we haven't got the points we deserve.
“What we've got to try and do is get ourselves on a little bit of a run, but by doing that first of all we have to win that game.
“And by winning that game it can hopefully give us that bit of confidence,” he continued.
“It is inch by inch at the moment. I know it's incredibly tough for the players and the supporters at the moment."