Keeping up with Leeds United, Sheffield United and Burnley is Sunderland's task but Regis Le Bris insisted, “all we can focus on is us and winning the next game.”

The Black Cats head coach has prepared his side for a 12.30pm clash with Watford, on Saturday (12.30pm), knowing that the pressure is on to beat a side struggling for results and form, before taking on lowly Luton Town on Wednesday. They are two important home games and there is a need to win.

“It’s still possible to be in the top three or four at the end of the season but at the same time, if you lose with the rhythm of Leeds, Sheffield and Burnley you can have a big distance to cover,” agreed Le Bris. “The only focus is on us. After that we will see. We have been consistent in the last 13 or 14 games. With different scenarios and different opponents, different situations to manage sometimes with injuries and suspensions. The group is in a good place but we know we have to learn quickly and improve the elements of our game.”

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He is wary of Watford and added: “They have a different style of play with good players. Sometimes as a team you can struggle and you don’t know why. Suddenly, just like that, you can find a new rhythm because the scenario, the events of the game can reconnect you with the right dynamic. It’s really dangerous because they have good potential and we don’t know when they will wake up.

“If it’s at the Stadium of Light it’s a shame for us. At least we can play with our qualities and strengths and we have to avoid mistakes than can cause a break in our dynamic. It’s complex to understand when a team doesn’t work. Our players are well connected and we know the results are always fragile. We have to take care of every single detail we know the game is still complex, still unpredictable and if we have no regrets, that’s it.”

Le Bris confirmed that Alan Browne is available, as is Jensen Seelt, while Romaine Mundle is expected to be available at the end of next week. He was pleased with the hunger his team showed against Middlesbrough and added: “I really appreciated the way we played in the second half, not only the tactical stuff, but the passion and the heart. We had to push ourselves ato want to win and we did that.

“It was the first time I felt this connection and the ambition to win at the end. And to find a way to beat that team. The confidence is there but now we have two tough games at home and then an exciting challenge at Leeds [February 17]. You can be confident but the league is tough. You know you have another challenge.

“The only element we can control is our preparation, the way we train, recover and prepare and after that after 100 minutes we will see. All the players are ambitious and know what they want to do in this league. As a manager and a coach my only focus is to win the next game. We know we have good qualities and are competitive in this league and we will see after 16 games.”