Stewart's respect for Reid

Reid has endured a torrid start to the campaign but victories in the last two matches have, temporarily at least, lifted the gloom on Wearside.

A much-needed 1-0 Premiership triumph over Aston Villa at the weekend preceded Tuesday's 7-0 hammering of Cambridge United in the Worthington Cup.

Recent signing Stewart, who bagged a brace at The Abbey Stadium, insists the mood within the Sunderland camp remains upbeat.

"All the lads have been very positive," said Stewart.

"We got a good result on Saturday but we wanted to win this potentially tricky tie in the cup for Peter - he is a top man.

"I've got all the respect in the world for him personally and every respect for the decisions he makes."

Stewart, though, did issue a note of caution to ensure the resounding success over Third Division Cambridge does not prove to be a false dawn.

The former Ipswich marksman acknowledges the players must now prove they are capable of picking up results against Premiership opposition on a consistent basis.

He added: "It takes time to turn things round and we all know we've got to do it against top-class opposition in The Premiership, week-in, week-out.

"That is the test."