Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is ignoring the criticism coming his way.

Poyet knows that unless they record an unlikely victory over Everton the trap door towards relegation will continue to loom ever closer.

He said: "During the time I've been here people have criticised me in a professional way. They are right to do it and I don't really pay attention. I do what's best for the players, so I don't care about the criticism coming my way.

"We need to make sure we still believe and send the right message that we believe and make sure those players who are set to be on the pitch also believe in what we're doing. It's a special time and we need special characters."