Sunderland's Kieran Richardson believes his side's fighting spirit will drag them out of the drop zone and ensure top-flight football on Wearside next season.
Richardson yesterday struck a potentially priceless first half double to sink Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light and cap a superb return to action after four months on the sidelines with a spinal injury.
The former Manchester United youngster is clearly relishing his big chance under boss Roy Keane and insists confidence has never been a problem despite his new side's struggle so far this season.
"The spirit has never been bad and everyone around the place is always buzzing. We've got a great manager and great supporters and if we stick together we'll be fine," Richardson said.
His latest injury setback was a major source of frustration having been persuaded to move to the north-east in search of more regular first team action.
He added: "I didn't get as many chances as I liked with Manchester United but that's the end of that chapter and it's a new one now and hopefully I can progress on."
Meanwhile, boss Keane is setting his sights on winning the 'mini league' involving Sunderland's rival relegation strugglers in order to ensure their survival.
Keane said: "There's three mini tables and it is important we win our own league. We've got back up there and we're still in touch. But it's going to be tough and we've got some important games coming up."
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp admits he is desperate to get new faces in at Fratton Park with several players away on duty with their countries at the African Nations Cup.
Shorn of so many top names Pompey looked dismal on Sunday as their previously excellent away record was shattered by a Sunderland side who never looked like surrendering their advantage.
Redknapp said: "We've been fantastic away from home but we looked short. We can't cope when we lose five or six of our starting 11. With too many key players missing it makes it difficult.
"We were short of a bit of quality but it's difficult to find anybody in the transfer window. I'm not close to getting anyone and we are just looking for a few loan deals at the moment."
