Lee Cattermole highlighted the togetherness of the Sunderland squad and the role of the side's youngsters after starring in the 1-0 win over Hull City.
Cattermole played a key role as a side packed with promising youngsters gave everything to seal a key victory and move level with the Tigers in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Chris Coleman gave Joel Asoro and Josh Maja the chance to start up front, and he was rewarded as the pair ran Hull ragged with Asoro scoring the deciding goal on his full debut.
“This was a massive win,” said Cattermole, who made his first appearance at the Stadium of Light since December following injury.
“We knew it would be a very tough game against an experienced side.
“You could see from the outset the tempo we played at, the pressing and togetherness.
“Every man from Robbin [Ruiter] at the back to Josh and Joel up front was bang at it and that's what it's going to take to get through it this season.”
Cattermole - Sunderland's longest serving player - was joined by youngsters George Honeyman and home debutant Ethan Robson in central midfield.
He continued: “It's difficult for the young lads but they really stepped up to the plate and have gone from strength to strength.
“We have to remember that what makes us good players is work rate, and it's easy to get away from that. Today was all about the effort to win the game.
“They are all great lads day in, day out and put in the graft on the training ground. All the young lads stepped up and that's what we're going to need from everyone in the whole squad.
“We've got lads coming back from injury as well.
“It's a big three or four months for the club and we've got to keep putting together performances like that.”
