Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has called on the players to show their support for owner Ellis Short with a passionate performance against Newcastle United.
Quinn wrote in the Daily Mail: "Sunderland's owner Ellis Short sacked manager Paolo Di Canio, so he clearly believed his players' assessment of the Italian.
"The players must remember that when they stand in the tunnel before Sunday's game. They must show Ellis he was right to back them. They owe him.
"They can't be found wanting now, so the senior players such as Lee Cattermole and John O'Shea have to set the right example.
"Ellis has brought in Gus Poyet very early in the season. That was brave but it does give Poyet time to sort out things.
"I know Ellis will be hurting very badly. He feels everything just as much as the most resolute Sunderland fan.
"Nothing would give him more pleasure than beating Newcastle on Sunday. "
