Vito Mannone: 'We need to rekindle Cup spirit'

Sunderland keeper Vito Mannone wants his side to rekindle the spirit of last season when they reached the Capital One Cup final as they get their campaign underway on Wednesday.

The Black Cats reached their first domestic final in 22 years when they played Manchester City, but ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat to Manuel Pellegrini's side despite taking a first-half lead.

Mannone feels that his side's cup run was vital to their success in avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season.

He told the club's official website: "The Cup was very important last season because it united us as a group.

"We want to give our best at every opportunity we get and the Capital Cup One final was massive for us, so why not repeat the same spirit at least. Whatever happens we will do our best."

Sunderland face Birmingham City in their second-round clash at St Andrew's tomorrow.