Gus Poyet: 'We must maintain performance levels'

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has insisted that he has full confidence in his strikers following a barren run in front of goal.

The Black Cats are still without a win in the Premier League this season, drawing five and losing one of their games so far.

Poyet's side have also fired blanks in their last two games, although the Uruguayan boss says that he is not yet panicking.

"It's been better in training this week," the 46-year-old is quoted as saying by The Express. "After Burnley we were disappointed and then down a little bit after the cup defeat in midweek to Stoke, but we played a more complete game without scoring against Swansea. We're trying not to panic and trying to relax.

"I'm still confident the strikers will score. They'll be given their chance to do so, but only time will tell. We're not panicking, but another 0-0 wouldn't be great and it would put us in a situation where we're thinking where are we going to get another goal?

"The idea is to maintain the level of performance and in addition to put the ball in the net. Stoke are a difficult team to play against and we must make sure we score the first goal. We are due a win and I'm confident we will get it."

Sunderland face Stoke City this weekend at the Stadium of Light.