O’Neill continually fretting over Sunderland’s top flight survival

Even with 30 points on the board Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill admits he worries constantly over survival in the Premier League.

Asked if he still frets over his side's vastly improved standing, he said: "Every day, of course.

"I remember saying to you here way back some weeks ago, the first ambition of mine was to try to get level points from the number of games we had played.

"That was the first thought so it would give you a little bit of respite, you would need that on the board, and then eventually, you would look to go past that.

"We were able to achieve that and then obviously, the winning of the games gives the players the confidence and self-belief to go on.
"Winning football matches is the be all and end all."

Since O'Neill's arrival the black Cats have amassed seven victories, two draws and just two defeats in all competitions.

He added: "Naturally, I am delighted for the points we have accumulated, and it's far more than we could ever have imagined and ever have expected at this stage.

"I am also mindful of the fact that we have a distance to go to make sure we get those extra points on the board, and while the eighth position seems pretty decent, it is not something I have always concerned myself about.

"You just try to keep the momentum going, which will be important because if you lose it, then you don't know where it comes from again."

 

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