Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has urged teammates to embrace the derby pressure against Middlesbrough.

Ahead of tomorrow night's derby with relegation rivals Middlesbrough at the Riverside, Defoe says David Moyes' side have to show their character and keep believing they can pull off a miraculous escape.

“It is a must-win game and it has been that way for a number of weeks now - it is not an easy game, away from home against Middlesbrough, our neighbours," said the club's 14-goal top scorer.

“It is tough, especially when you have not been getting results, the confidence won't be sky high but at the end of the day that is when you have to show your character - it is as simple as that.

“We are all in this together and will be until the last game of the season.

“We have to try and win every game, that is all we can do. It won't be easy but it is doable.

“After the Bournemouth game I can't imagine [Boro] will be confident going into this game, of course it is a different game but hopefully we have caught them at the right time and we can go there and get three points - we need them."