Jack Rodwell is grateful to Sunderland fans for their support.

The midfielder has admitted that it must be tough following Sunderland at the moment.

After defeat to Stoke City, Rodwell stated: “It must be tough being a fan at the moment, but stick in there.

“The lads will give it our all but it was a tough result.

“We all have to fight together until the end and we have been here before.

“We looked at the games coming up and we knew this was the one at home.

“We have now got a midweek game (Burnley away in the FA Cup third round replay tomorrow) and West Bromwich Albion away."