Gus Poyet shows faith in Sunderland strikers

Gus Poyet has given a vote of confidence to his strikers ahead of Sunderland's Premier League clash with Stoke City this afternoon.

The Black Cats have found the back of the net five times this season, but none of their goals has come from their forwards, with Conor Wickham, Steven Fletcher and Jozy Altidore yet to register.

"I am still calm that the strikers will score," Poyet is quoted as saying by The Herald.

"Now, I could be wrong and time will tell, but I think they deserve to have the chance.

"They need to prove themselves, to accept the responsibility."

Poyet's men today welcome Stoke, who have never won a Premier League game on Wearside.