Sunderland manager Chris Coleman has called on his players to show courage this afternoon against Sheffield Wednesday as they look to record rare back-to-back wins.

The Black Cats produced an outstanding performance on Friday night to thrash Derby 4-1 at Pride Park, although with Birmingham also winning a day later, Coleman's men remain five points from safety.

However, it will give the players confidence going into their clash against the Owls today as they seek successive victories for the first time in 500 days.

And, Coleman is demanding a lot of his team ahead of the game. "I will speak to the players about that, being able to back up the win at Derby. It’s having the courage to back it up," he told the Chronicle.

"Really, Monday is the last game (of the season) for us, we have to look at it like that. That sounds drastic, it sounds like I am putting more pressure on it than I need to, but I am not. It is what it is."

"We have to put all or nothing into it, treat it like it’s our last game. Let’s see where we end up."

The Verdict

Even though Sunderland won on Friday, they still have a mountain to climb if they are to survive meaning today is a must-win.

Everyone connected with the club knows that so fans will appreciate the honesty from Coleman instead of trying to play it down.

The players now need to respond and make sure they get another win to give them a fighting chance of survival.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.