Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon says victory over Manchester City today would be the ideal message to send to fans.

The Black Cats go into the game on the back of their 4-0 thumping of Bolton Wanderers.

Gordon told safc.com: "Everyone goes through a bad run at some stage and hopefully now we can recover and use the remaining games to really put down a marker and show what this club's all about.

"They have had a few changes but they've remained up there, grinding out results and that's a sign of team who are doing well and progressing to challenging for honours.

"They've had a few sticky spells but they've always come out and got results when they've needed them.

"They're still big challengers for that fourth spot. That will be their aim for the rest of the season, to get into the Champions' League.

"Pitting ourselves against one of the big teams after a win like Bolton will be a big test for us."