Sunderland fullback Phil Bardsley has called for calm after a string of defeats.

"It's a big disappointment to be down there - we can't deny that," Bardsley told The Sunderland Echo.

"But if we play the way we played for most of the game on Saturday, I'm sure we'll pick up points and climb the table again.

"There are only four or five points between where we are and eighth place I think and we are confident we are capable of picking up points.

"The bottom half of The Premiership's really close and a couple of good results can make a big difference."