Kieran Richardson is confident Sunderland will beat the drop this season.

Richardson, a £5.5million summer signing from Manchester United, knows how tough a test the Black Cats face as they head for Blackburn tonight, but is convinced they can get themselves out of trouble.

He said: "In the changing room, between ourselves, we have no doubt we can get out of it.

"I am a confident lad and the players are all confident. We know we can do it.

"We weren't getting carried away because we know how tight it is down there.

"The gaffer said everyone is worrying around us, but as long as we are focused and we keep positive between ourselves, we will have no problem.

"We did that on Saturday, we got the three points and now we are seeing a bit of light.

"But we have got to kick on from now and hopefully get some more wins under our belt."