There Is An Extra Confidence About The Players

Brendan Rodgers takes his side to Sunderland this weekend looking for a third consecutive away win

After victories at Aston Villa (league) and Barnsley (cup) it would make a great statement to win at in form Sunderland but Rodgers knows that it wont be an easy task facing his side

“Sunderland have come into some good form and we’re well aware that it’s going to be a difficult ask for us this weekend,” said the Swansea manager.

“They have just beaten Manchester City at home, which tells you something about how they are going, but we have got renewed confidence when we go away from home.

“I always felt that a weight would be lifted off our shoulders when we got the first away win, and I think that has happened since we beat Aston Villa.

“You could see that in the way we played at Barnsley.

“There is an extra confidence among the players and we are really looking forward to the game this weekend.

“I think Steve did an excellent job leading Sunderland to a top-ten finish last season and, if you spend a bit of money like they did last summer, it can put a bit of pressure on,” Rodgers added.

“Martin O’Neill has come back after a spell out of the game and made an impact straightaway, and sometimes that happens when a club change their manager.

“Sometimes a new voice can help turn things round, and I think Martin’s enthusiasm and infectiousness has rubbed off on the Sunderland players.

“They have had some fantastic results since he went in.

“I don’t know Martin well, but he is someone I have an immense amount of respect for.

“He was a flag-bearer for Northern Irish people both as a player and then even more so as a coach, and I have great admiration for the work he has done.

“He has been around for a long time and he understands the game at every level.”