Trophy semi not in Ross’ thoughts yet

Sunderland make the long trip south tomorrow for the first of two away games against Bristol Rovers in the space of 11 days - with crucial points and a Wembley final at stake.

Not that Jack Ross is even thinking about the Checkatrade Trophy semi-final on March 5 just yet, with all his focus on tomorrow’s important league fixture first.

The Scot is keen to build on the 4-2 League One win over Gillingham in midweek.

On the Checkatrade Trophy semi, Ross said: “When it comes around it will be an important game for us, but because of the significance of each and every league at the moment it’s not something that we’ve really given much consideration to, or any consideration to at all.

“We will do when it comes around. Even the Plymouth game isn’t given any consideration at the moment.

“It’s all about the challenge that we’ll face away from home on Saturday.

“I think when Graham [Coughlan] was in charge on a temporary basis, he had a reaction from the players, and we saw that when they came and played at the Stadium of Light in how difficult they made the game for us.

“Their recent form has been good and probably similar to quite a lot of the games we’ve had recently, were on paper people have the wrong idea that it’s a straight forward game because of league position.

“The reality is not only are these teams fighting to stay in the league but a lot of them are actually in good form.

“Any game away from home this season for us has been challenging, so it will be the same again on Saturday.”