Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has told his players to maintain their focus ahead of this afternoon's trip to Stoke.

O'Neill, whose side have climbed to eighth place in the Premier League since taking over at the Stadium of Light, has led the club to seven wins in 11 games in charge. However, the Irishman has urged his men to keep their feet on the ground.

"We must continue in the same fashion," he said.

"When you're on a great run the games can't come quickly enough, but if you stutter and lose a game or two you want to know where the next point's coming from. That's essentially this league.

"There's decent focus, but it's very important for the players to stay focused and make sure people don't get carried away with winning matches and stay with it."

Meanwhile, Stoke sit one place behind the Black Cats at ninth in the league.