Parky urges Cats to play ‘like the home team’ on St Andrew’s trip

Phil Parkinson has urged his side to take the initiative when they face Coventry City, on what could be a crucial day in the race for League One promotion.

A win at St Andrews for Sunderland would draw the Black Cats level in the table with the Sky Blues, who have played one game fewer.

The stakes could not be higher, with the home side simultaneouslypresentedwith an opportunity to extend the gap between the two sides to six points.

Sunderland are set to take a large following to the Midlands and Parkinson wants to replicate the scenes at Doncaster Rovers, where his side’s current excellent run of form began.

The Black Cats have lost one game – at Portsmouth – in 13 since then, winning nine and drawing three, rising to fourth in the table.

Lynden Gooch’s early goal set the tone that day as an aggressive Black Cats side ran out comfortable winners against in-form opposition.

“I look at it very similarly to the game where we went to Doncaster and took a large away following,” Parkinson said.

“We've got to go and play like the home team, and get our intensity levels right from minute one right to the end, and be really, really positive in the way we approach the game.

“It's obviously a strange one because it's Birmingham's ground, and we'll have as many in the ground.

“So our message to the players will be that we want to be right on the front foot, playing as positively as we can.

“The key for us is to take the mentality that we are at our best on the front foot, attacking and stepping onto teams, making runs in behind.

“It's the business-end of the season now, no doubt, there's big games coming up and there's no quarter given.

“It's full-on commitment first and foremost, and then having the courage to play.”

Coventry are in superb form themselves, and Parkinson has been impressed with their style of play.

“They're a good team,” he said.

“They play three at the back with a similar midfield shape to us.

“The players know their roles and that's what we try and do as well, make sure there's a clear pathway to the way we want to play.”