Alex Neil knows that Sunderland's away following will be crucial against Sunderland, and has called for supporters to get behind the team for the last league game of the season.
TOUGH
"It’s a bit of a tough game obviously for different reasons. Morecambe have got their own agenda that they need to try and fulfil and we have equally got ours. So yeah you could argue there’s other games in the division that are equally as important for other teams. We just need to try and get the job done."
MAGNITUDE
"I think we just approach it like any other game. It’s a game we go and try and win, and that’s what we’ve done with all the games we’ve played. So there’s not really any difference other than fact that what is different is the magnitude of what’s behind it in terms of what we can achieve and what we want to achieve or if we don't get it done properly. I think that’s the only key difference."
BASICS
"I just think we need to go and play as well as we can. We need to be effective in our play. We need to make sure we do the basics very well. We have quality right through the group so I don’t think I’m looking at any one individual saying we need a hero. I think we have more than enough in the squad to win the game and we just need to make sure we stick to what we know we’re good at, don’t complicate things, and do the simple parts really well."
FANS
"Yeah I think that’s (away fans) crucial. We haven’t lost an away game since I’ve been here. Which is pleasing but equally we need to make sure we go and perform. Obviously having the backing of the fans is important for the players, in particular those difficult moments which’ll always happen in any game. We’ve got the support there and we’re coming in numbers as usual and they’ll be vocal, it’ll be a good atmosphere."
DEREK ADAMS
"They have a lot to play for. I’m sure they’ll come up with a game plan that they think gives them the best opportunity to get something from the game, to make sure they secure their status in the league. It’s not so long ago since Morecambe was in League Two regularly and fighting to stay in League Two. Obviously Derek was there before, then left and then came back. But I think the job he did taking them up was remarkable and if they do manage to stay in the league, which to be fair at this moment in time looks likely because they’ve got more points than a lot of teams around them, then that’ll be a great achievement for them."
GAME PLAN
"I think we need to move the ball well. I think we need to make sure we’re being brave in our decision making. We need to guard against transition. I think they have natural threats that we will have to nullify. We’ll have to basically perform well. To be honest, we’ll have to believe as much as anything else because in these games because of the occasion we don’t get anxious in any way. We just believe in the process, keep doing what we’re doing, do what we do well and try and win the game."
