Sunderland Echo

WE CAN BEAT THE DROP

SUNDERLAND ACE JORDAN PICKFORD CONFIDENT OF PREMIER LEAGUE SURVIVAL

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Confident Jordan Pickford has no doubt Sunderland can pull off another great escape to maintain their place in the top flight.

Struggling Sunderland are seven points adrift of safety heading into the final 10 games with the situation looking bleak for David Moyes and his squad.

But home-grown Pickford remains convinced the Black Cats have what it takes to climb out of trouble once again having strongly flirted with the drop for the past four seasons.

“Definitely,” said Pickford when asked whether they have what it takes to survive.

“We’ve got a good mentality in the squad and we’ve stuck together. We’ve done it in previous years so we’ll do it again.

“It’s massive for me to play in front of my home fans.

“Obviously being a young lad, I’ve always been a fan going to games week in, week out, watching the side play.

“Now getting to be out on the pitch is an experience I’ve always wanted, so it’s amazing for me,” Pickford told EASPORTS.com.

Sunderland return to action this weekend when Moyes takes his squad to Watford for the first of a busy run of April fixtures.

Pickford is enjoying playing under the Scot, who took over from Sam Allardyce last summerwhen­hewasnamed England boss, albeit briefly.

“It’s good,” added Pickford

“Obviously we’re getting new experience­s every time a new gaffer comes in and its great to be able to learn something new off of a new manager,” added Pickford, who has been away with England Under-21s.

The 23-year-old was drafted into the main England squad last November as cover with Joe Hart, Fraser Forster and Tom Heaton all ahead of him.

Pickford said: “I was called up to the senior squad in November and it was a great experience for me and a big learning curve, it’s all about maturing as a keeper.

“But I’ve hopefully got the Under-21 European Championsh­ips in the summer and I want to go there, be a part of it, try to win it and take it from there.

“Obviously I’ve got top keepers in front of me. I’ve always looked up to Joe Hart as a young lad, and the way he’s gone about his football.

“When I was with him in the England squad I saw first hand what a top keeper he is so I’ll do well to get past him.”

Pickford was speaking about FIFA 17 and Sunderland AFC to EASPORTS.com.

Visit www.easports.com/ uk/fifa/news/2017/jordanpick­ford-interview

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Jordan Pickford

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