Push For Top Ten Says Bruce

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has set Sunderland a target in their final two games, finish in the top ten and finish above rivals Newcastle United.

Sunderland and Newcastle are exactly equal on points but have a far worse goal difference and Steve Bruce targets the final two games as must win games for his players.

‘After winning at Bolton, a top-10 place is still there for us to aim at,” said Bruce.

“Even though we are now safe, there`s a lot riding on the run-in for us.

“Firstly, we want to achieve what we set out to do at the start of the season and finish in the top ten.

“But also because we want to finish above the side up the road, Newcastle.

“This is a great opportunity for us to do that. There`s only goal difference between us and we`ve both got two games to go.

“It`s up to us, so let`s see if we can do it.”

Steve Bruce will stand side by side with Mick McCarthy, a former Sunderland gaffer, as he looks to condemn them to more misery at the bottom of the league.

Bruce added: ‘There`s a lot riding on this game for Wolves, in terms of them fighting against relegation, and the fact that there is some added spice to it because Mick McCarthy will be back to the Stadium of Light, and it`s always an occasion when a manager comes up against his former club.

“But, we can`t let that distract us from achieving our own targets.

“Our travelling fans were magnificent at Bolton and we`ll have a big crowd behind us on Saturday, so let`s produce the same kind of performance we managed at the Reebok.

“If we do that, we`ve got an excellent chance.”