Dean Whitehead

By The Black Cats
April 6 2009

Sunderland captain Dean Whitehead says Sunderland must target wins from their coming games against Hull City and West Brom as the Black Cats look to stay in the Premier League. The Black Cats are currently in 17th just 1 place above the relegation zone after their 2-0 defeat by West Ham on Saturday - three points clear of third-bottom Newcastle who have an inferior goal difference.

Sbragia's men face consecutive home games now - against United and Hull - before going to West Brom at the end of the month.

"The Hull and West Brom games are going to be huge for us, everyone can see that, it's a big month," said Whitehead.

"We're in a position we don't want to be in and it's a real battle. The dressing room was quiet after West Ham, we were so disappointed because we looked comfortable for most of the first half. We conceded sloppy goals and it has got to stop.

"We need to pick ourselves up - and quickly. We have Manchester United and we will not write off getting something from the game.

"We just need a win - of course we know that."

Whitehead sustained a calf injury on Saturday and was limping badly when he left Upton Park. "It swelled up and was quite painful after the game," he said.
"I'll get some treatment and hopefully be OK for Saturday."