Sunderland's 'underdog mentality' is driving their push for European football

The Wearsiders have made a mockery of any talk of relegation to the Championship after winning promotion last year, with Le Bris stressing his side need to maintain the consistency that has served them well thus far.

"The approach remains the same, results are a consequence of daily standards," Le Bris said. "If we stay consistent, we want to learn, we want to keep this identity, this togetherness, we don't know what we can achieve really.

"It's about this daily ambition and I felt, once again this week, the energy is growing. After that, the challenge is big. It's not different.

"The environment can change but the quality of the management is to stay focused. Even with noise, we know that the relegation may have been a big threat, but we stayed focused and consistent in our way of working, that was our real challenge.

"It's the same when it's positive, you don't want to change your mind or you'll create your own trap or problems."

The likes of Granit Xhaka, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo and Omar Alderete have been shrewd additions to the Sunderland squad this summer and their experience has been invaluable at Premier League level.

All four are leaders both on and off the pitch, with Sunderland's squad full of characters who are driving standards week in, week out in training.

"Yeah I think it's key for the performance and it's challenging for everyone," Le Bris said when asked about those characters this week. "As a manager as well, you know the standards are high and it's the key point. Results are a consequence of our daily standards and with the players we have in our dressing room.

"The standards are high and it means you have to be demanding with the team, with the coaching staff and with me as well. It's positive."

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Sunderland have been given a timely injury boost in their push for European football. The Black Cats are just two points behind Chelsea in the Europa League spot, and one point behind Brentford in the Conference League qualification spot.

Dan Ballard has missed the last few weeks with a hamstring injury, but looks set for a return to the squad this weekend, while Nilson Angulo, Bertrand Traoré and Jocelin Ta Bi are also closing in on a return to action.

Le Bris said: "Ballard is fully fit. For Nilson, Bertrand and Jocelin, still sidelined but really close to reconnecting with the squad. Probably around the Forest game, a bit before or maybe a bit after, they'll be able to join part or full training sessions.

"It's really positive for Jocelin because we thought he would be back just before the Chelsea game in training, but he has recovered really quickly. It's positive for us and very impressive.

"Dan is available but we don't have to rush the process at the minute, which is good. He is available for selection, but you understand the dynamic of the group. Even for Ballard, I think it's key to build this fitness level rather than to rush the process now."

Sunderland's academy continues to go from strength to strength under the current ownership group, and much of the youngster's success in recent years must go down to the work Graeme Murty has put in.

They've reached the PL2 final in recent years and most recently, the Premier League Cup Final after an exciting 4-2 win over Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light.

The Wearsiders will face Burnley in the final, with details of that set to be confirmed in due course. Silverware is the only thing Murty's side have been missing, with the pathway to the first team already operating brilliantly.

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