Louis-Dreyfus has given us clarity, focus and vision, says McAllister

Jamie McAllister says the clarity Kyril Louis-Dreyfus' arrival has given Sunderland has been 'massive' for the whole club.

The Black Cats face Lincoln City this afternoon looking to extend what is currently a ten-game unbeaten run across all competitions.

Chairman and majority shareholder Louis-Dreyfus has been present for every one of those games and assistant head coach McAllister said it has brought a 'real focus and vision' for everyone.

"I think it's been massive not just for the fans but for everyone at the club," McAllister said.

"It was obviously hanging over the club for a while and to get that clarity, Kyril coming in with a real focus and vision for what he wants to achieve going forward, it gives everyone a massive lift.

"It's massive for everyone, fans, staff, players, players potentially coming in.

"It's been huge." Sunderland's superb form has seen them climb above Michael Appleton's side in the table, but McAllister insists that everyone at the club 'needs to keep their feet on the ground' ahead of the run-in.

"It's the attitude, the discipline and professionalism that the lads have shown," McAllister said.

"To go from Wembley to Accrington (Stanley) and put in a performance three days later was down to the hard work and dedication.

"But we've got to keep our feet on the ground and keep moving forward

"With Kyril in the building you start to plan for the future, it's positive signs for the club."

Though Sunderland will again be without a number of key players for their latest fixture, McAllister was thrilled to see Ross Stewart make his debut in midweek and says his potential partnership with Charlie Wyke gives the Black Cats more options in forward areas.

"It gives us another string to our bow,” he said.

"Who would want to play against those two? Both 6 foot 4 plus, both can handle the ball, both can link it, both powerful runners, both good in the air.

"The strengths they've got are a big plus for us and it's definitely the case that they can play together.

"Ross can also play wide in a three, he's very flexible and that gives us a lot of options moving forward."