Training will go up a notch – watch out for tackles!

With four straight away league wins behind them, Sunderland and their fans have every right to travel with confidence and belief that they can make it five consecutive wins on the road when they face walsall on Saturday.

Before the disappointing home draw with Wycombe, it’s important to remember that Sunderland had eight consecutive wins in all competitions, so one bad result in nine games isn’t the end of the world and should be put into perspective.

Jack Ross has some big decisions to make this week concerning his starting XI, as Maja, Oviedo and Power all were on the bench last saturday and all three will be desperate to start at Walsall. As will Lee Cattermole, if he’s available.

So the manager might have a few players knocking on his door before the weekend. After the last few seasons, when a number of Sunderland managers were scratching their heads, wondering who to actually pick, who really deserved to play (the answer being not many at all) l, Jack Ross won’t mind this problem of who to leave out, and explaining to the unlucky ones why they’re on the bench.

I expect training to be intense this week, everyone wants to play when your second in the table, and the opportunity is there for a successful season.

I remember training always going up a notch when there was competition for places, tackles would be flying all over the place and you’d usually keep out of the way of the guy who was after your shirt.

Having standards during the week are essential as players coasting through training will inevitably coast through games, so I like it when players are under pressure, it keeps them focused and sharp.

Those who underperformed last Saturday will be doing everything not to lose their place, while the others will sense the opportunity to get back in. The coaching staff will be closely monitoring everybodies attitude and desire.

Saturday’s trip to Walsall has more than just the usual points at stake, the players must prove they can bounce back after a setback.

They’ve done it before this season, and no doubt they’ll have to do it again, as there’ll be many twists and turns in a marathon campaign, in a league Sunderland can only afford to have one season in.