Roy O'Donovan believes Roy Keane is constantly improving as a manager and is confident his fellow Corkman will haul Sunderland clear of the relegation zone.
The former Cork City star joined the Black Cats in August and although credited with just two starts, he has featured regularly from the bench and is desperate to repay Keane's faith in him.
Keane, who is looking to bolster his squad this transfer window, has drawn criticism following Saturday's 3-0 FA Cup defeat at home to Wigan.
Following that loss, Keane said he felt "ashamed" by the performance.
But while frustrated by the club's patchy results, O'Donovan has full confidence in Keane's abilities and today rallied around his under-pressure manager.
"He's a very positive person and a very good manager," said O'Donovan of Keane. "He is getting better all the time. It's the same with the players, we're all learning in the same process.
"The most important thing right now is Sunderland football club and the most important thing for everybody, fans included, is Sunday's result at home to Portsmouth.
"We need a positive one and hopefully we get it."
Saturday's defeat compounded Sunderland's frustrating season but Paul McShane tonight echoed O'Donovan's sentiments and has urged his team-mates to regroup and refocus.
"We all wanted to win (last weekend)," said the Republic of Ireland international.
"The gaffer told us before the game about what it's like to play in an FA Cup final, it's a great feeling, so it was no different to any other game.
"But it was a disappointing day all round. We have to put it behind us and carry on. The important thing is that we carry on with the league and that's all we've got to concentrate on now.
"We do need a lift. We lost at Blackburn when we should have got something but Portsmouth are up on Saturday and we've got to be on it.
"Every week in the Premier League is a test but this is a very important game for us now."
Despite heavy pre-season investment, the north-east club have failed to hit the ground running and Keane is desperate to strengthen his squad again this month.
And the 36-year-old is refusing to take no for an answer from Reading over compatriot Stephen Hunt after once again being rebuffed by the Royals.
Keane offered £3million but Reading, who insist they do not want to sell, have a higher valuation of the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland winger.
Keane and his chairman Niall Quinn are preparing a fresh bid.
Sunderland are also interested in Portsmouth's Matt Taylor, who is expected to command a fee or between £3million and £4million.
But Keane's interest in veteran Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage appears to be over with the Wales international today holding talks with bottom-of-the-table Derby County.
