Craig Gordon is hopeful of a top ten finish for Sunderland next season.
"I think it will be a challenge for us, but we've got to set our sights a bit higher than that this season.
"We've got to look to break into that group of clubs just above that and steer well clear of relegation and push for the top half of the league."
Gordon was also pleased with the development of his own game last season and now expects to make further progress.
He added: "It was a good experience last season and because of that I expect to be better this season."