Jack Rodwell says it is vital for clubs like Sunderland to make winning a habit in the cup competitions.

The Black Cats saluted for the first time this season when beating Exeter City 6-3 in the second round of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night and the winning feeling was warmly welcomed by Rodwell despite the fact it was a League Two side they defeated.

"The last few seasons have proved that cup runs can be important in terms of helping to turn the league form around," he said.

"It's important to get wins under your belt, and for the fans, it's something special too. That's the way I like to think about it.

"Sometimes, it can be hard to get up for these games. It's Exeter, they're a League Two side, and you're going into it off the back of a game where you've put in a 100 per cent shift against Swansea (City).

"You can look at it like that, but I like to look at it from the fans' point of view and try to give them something special. If we can give them a good cup run and get to Wembley, that would be brilliant."

The Black Cats will be searching for their first Premier League win of the campaign when they head to Aston Villa on Saturday.