Tainio - We've turned a corner

Tainio: Confident

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Midfielder Teemu Tainio is confident Sunderland can secure their Premier League status for next season.

The 29-year-old insists the Black Cats have turned a corner following their goalless draw at Bolton last week which ended a poor run of six defeats in seven games.

Sunderland head into Monday's game against Portsmouth at Fratton Park knowing a difficult final match against Chelsea follows.

And, despite disappointing results against relegated West Brom and Everton in recent weeks, Tainio believes his side are good enough to secure their Premier League status before their final game now that they have their confidence back.

Focused

"After the West Brom and Everton games, everyone knew we couldn't keep going like that because otherwise, we were in big trouble," he said.

"That was the main thing. Everybody was really focused for the game and we showed that on the pitch.

"Now it is just about getting things right and focused for this game on Monday.

"We have two big games left and anything can happen, but I feel very confident we can do it.

"We have a very big game on Monday and regardless of the scores at the weekend, we need to at least draw at Portsmouth. A win would definitely do it."

Favour

The one thing working in Sunderland's favour is that Portsmouth are safe from the threat of relegation with two games to play.

Tainio, though, insists the Black Cats will not be taking anything for granted when they visit Fratton Park.

"We have to focus on our game and not care too much about what the other clubs are doing.

"It's a massive game, I am not going to lie about that. Portsmouth need one or two points also.

"It's a big game, but we have to make sure we come out winning that game."