Costel Pantilimon would rather have points than plaudits for his performances

Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon has insisted that he would rather have victories than plaudits for his own performances this season.

The 28-year-old has kept eight clean sheets for the Black Cats since he replaced Vito Mannone between the sticks following his team's 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Southampton in October.

However, he is adamant that he would rather have the points as his team prepare to face off against the Saints as they continue their desperate battle against relegation from the Premier League.

He told the club's official website: "It is a good thing for our team and also for me but I hope to be like this until we finish the season, because we need wins and I hope to help the team get them.

"It is nice when your work gets appreciated but like I said the most important thing is the team and I will do everything I can to help them because we all work for the same reason.

"Southampton are a very good team with a few good players so we are expecting it to be a tough game, but we are in a difficult situation so I'm sure we will fight until the end."

Sunderland are 18th in the Premier League, one point adrift of safety.