Stockdale: My only focus is on Boro game

Robbie Stockdale insists he has no guarantees that a Sunderland win at Middlesbrough tomorrow will put him and fellow caretaker boss Billy McKinlay in line for the permanent position,

The pair were asked by chief executive Martin Bain to take control of first-team affairs on Wednesday, following Simon Grayson’s departure, with Sunderland thought to be seeking an experienced candidate to be appointed in the international break.

An external arrival would of course leave Stockdale and McKinlay’s futures in doub, but the 37-yearold believes the clash with his former club at the Riverside (12.15pm kickoff ) is a perfect distraction.

Asked if he had any guarantees, should Sunderland win, Stockdale said: “No, not at all. When they asked myself and Billy to take this game, the sole focus was on this game.

“What happens after that, happens. But I certainly don’t want any discussions to distract the mind. All we are doing is preparing as best we can.

“I’ve had absolutely no discussions about what is going to happen. “I only want to focus on this game. “It is hard enough to get your head around what has happened this week without looking ahead any further.

“I think the game actually makes things much easier. It gives you a clarity of mind to say, ‘I can’t control anything else, the uncontrollables are there but what can I control? Well, preparing for Sunday’. In a roundabout way you use that to just really focus on the game.”

Stockdale has admitted that he was shocked by Grayson’s sudden departure, after Tuesday’s 3-3 draw with Bolton, but is confident that the players have the determination to put things right.