‘Man for man we’re better than Sunderland’ - Joey Barton

Ross won’t get into war of words with Barton

Sunderland manager Jack Ross has refused to get drawn into a war of words with Joey Barton – and says the proof of who has the better players will be decided not just tomorrow, but over the course of the season.

Fleetwood manager Barton tried to ramp up the pressure on Sunderland ahead of this weekend’s game at the Stadium of Light.

The Cod Army moved up to sixth in League One last weekend after recording their first home victory of the season, despite Wes Burns’ red card in the first half.

Sunderland sit in fourth afteran unbeaten start to their campaign.

However, Barton believes his side have more than enough to defeat the Black Cats, who he says will be under pressure to perform on home turf.

And he insisted his Fleetwood squad is better ‘man for man’ than Ross’ charges.

“On the pitch is where it matters, and I don’t see a David v Goliath,” said Barton.

“If anything, I see us just better than them, man for man.

“If anyone doubts our spirit, they just have to watch the Bradford game. To win with ten men, it was special.

“Credit to Jack Ross, he’s got the fans coming back to the stadium and the team winning games. It’s not easy to turn around a club which has a habit of losing, no matter what resources you have.

“I think Sunderland have more to lose in front of their home fans than we do.”

Ross was asked about Barton’s claims in his prematch media briefing, but refused to get involved.

The Sunderland boss said: “Saturday and the league table will be the determining factor.

“I’ve never really been too concerned about what other managers say. It is an oppori tun ty for me to come up against another young manager, I am looking forward to it.

“We’ve come up against very different charcters a in the dugout and very different teams and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’m sure Saturday will be the same.”

Barton played against Sunderland for Newcastle, and enjoyed a tempestuous relationship with the Black Cats fans.

However, he insists Saturday’s meeting is just another game.

“I’ve been there as a player and played derbies at Sunderland,” he added. “It’s the same as playing another big club like we did against Bradford.

“The weird thing is that there will be more people in the stadium on Saturday, than there will be in the whole town of Fleetwood!

“We know it will be a good competitive fixture, and one that we’re really looking forward to.”