O'Neill backs Sunderland to stay up

Martin O'Neill has backed Sunderland to pull clear of relegation danger despite Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Norwich City.

The Black Cats boss, whose position has been called into question this season, watched his players go two-down at Carrow Road as Sebastien Bassong and Anthony Pilkington scored for Chris Hughton's Canaries.

Craig Gardner pulled one back on the stroke of half time before Sunderland dominated the second half and were unfortunate not to grab at least a share of the spoils.

But the defeat means the Wearsiders have won just two of 22 league matches dating back to last season and find themselves just a point above the relegation zone.

However, O'Neill felt his players lacked the luck required to take anything from the game and he sees no reason why they can't go on a good run.

He said: "There were glaring opportunities for us and we spurned the lot of them in the second half.

"In the second half there was one way traffic. We played with gusto, determination and courage but couldn't force the equaliser.

"If we play like that for the rest of the season, we'll be fine."

Sunderland, who are 4.00 to be relegated this season, will now look to secure maximum points in their next league game against Chelsea at the Stadium of Light next Saturday. The Black Cats are 4.50 to win, Chelsea can be backed at 1.80 and the draw is 3.60.