Seb Larsson has urged Sunderland to go on a run of positive results as they look to push clear of the relegation zone.
The Black Cats triumphed in a proverbial six-point game last weekend against Reading before falling to league leaders Manchester United on Saturday to sit 16th on the table.
Ahead of this weekend's trip to 17th-placed Southampton, Larsson is well aware of the magnitude of the clash as Martin O'Neill's men aim to produce a string of wins in order to resurrect their miserable campaign so far.
"Next weekend is as big as Reading," the Swede told the Hartlepool Mail.
"Although we would have loved to have got something from the game at Old Trafford, it wasn't really seen as a six-pointer.
"We've got to remember what we did against Reading and take the positives from the second half against Manchester United on Saturday.
"If we play to some of the levels we've shown lately, we'll be alright. You just need a couple of results in these games and you fly up the table."
