Billy Jones and Conor Wickham back Sunderland survival bid

Billy Jones is convinced that Sunderland have got what it takes to avoid relegation this season despite slipping into the bottom three.

Conor Wickham capitalised on an Asmir Begovic fumble after only 59 seconds to put Sunderland in front at Stoke but that effort was cancelled out by Charlie Adam as the home side claimed a point.

The point leaves Dick Advocaat’s side in 18th position, one behind Leicester - 1-0 winners at Burnley - with five games remaining.

Jones told Sky Sports: “There’s still a long way to go. It’s going to be difficult, we know that, but I think we have more than enough talent in the changing room to take on the teams that we’ve got and get the points that we need to be safe.

“The fans have been brilliant all season, home or away, rain or shine they have been amazing. We never doubt that the fans are going to be there in numbers to support us."

Goal-scorer Wickham is also unconcerned about the fact that Sunderland are back in the relegation places, and is adamant their spirit can see them climb to safety.

He said: “It’s not nice to be looking at the table tonight knowing that we are in the relegation zone but it’s about where we are come the end of the season. We are just going to take every game as it comes as we’ve talked about. Every game now is like a cup final and we’ll see where we are come the end of the season.

“Every game is going to be massive from here on in - there will be lots of twists and turns I imagine. All we can do as a team is be competitive every game give everything that we’ve got and see where we go from there.”