Veteran midfielder Dwight Yorke believes Sunderland's recent travails in the Premier League will stand them in good stead later in the season.
Their latest reverse came at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday evening after a narrow 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
"The performance against United should stand us in good stead for the games ahead," he told the club's official website.
"The younger players will get a boost from the United display. We were disappointed to leave with nothing. We fought extremely well and the way we conceded was disappointing.
"It's a new situation for the manager. He is not used to losing games and neither are the players.
"We had a great year last year. We hardly lost a game, now we've lost four in a row.
"We've had five games in the Premier League and we know what kind of performances are needed. We have got to learn fast but I'm sure we will be fine."
