Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat: 'We can beat the drop'

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat has insisted that his side is capable of avoiding relegation to the Championship.

The Black Cats are one point above the drop zone with nine games remaining, but the Dutchman believes that their Premier League survival is in their own hands.

"We have nine games to go and are still a point ahead, so we have everything in our own hands," he told the club's official website.

"There is enough quality in this squad to stay up. We have a difficult programme, as do the other teams, but it's all up to us and I have a good feeling about it."

Sunderland are back in Premier League action this weekend when they take on West Ham United.