Jack Ross has told the Chronicle Live that he still harbours ambitions of winning the League One title.

The Black Cats are seven points adrift of the leaders albeit with a game in hand. They're currently enjoying a two week lay off from league action, courtesy of the international break and the EFL Trophy final.

They're not in the automatic promotion spots at the moment, but Ross is still aiming high with nine matches left to play.

With fixture congestion an issue in April, they're going to have to be right on their game if he's going to realise the ambition.

The top three sides are all undefeated at home this season, with the Black Cats having lost the fewest games of all 72 Football League matches. They're still some way behind Mick Harford's side, which will make winning the title a huge ask.

Our FLW panel discuss whether it's a realistic ambition or simply a pipe dream.

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George Brooks

"It's a big ask. There seems to be no stopping Luton Town at the moment.

"Even though Sunderland have a game in hand on the league leaders, it will still be tough for them to overtake the Hatters.

"An immediate return to the Championship is the most important thing and perhaps a top-two finish is a more realistic target for Jack Ross' side.

"If the Black Cats can secure automatic promotion, the season would still be considered a great success."

 

Toby Wilding

"In two weeks time, Sunderland will have three games in hand on the two sides above them: Luton and Barnsley.

"If those two sides, whose long unbeaten runs will surely have to end at some point, do slip up in that period then Sunderland will have a huge incentive for the final push.

"If they don't, then The Black Cats could start to rue their heavy schedule. They have the squad for it, but whether they have it in their legs to go the difference could be the telling factor."

 

Jay Taylor

“It would be a tall order, and one I think is slightly beyond them.

“Sunderland are fighting for second place - and even then I think that too could be a little out of their reach.

“If Jack Ross’ men want to make it back to the Championship at the first attempt, it will have to be via a second trip to Wembley in May.

“That is the best they will be able to do.”

 

George Dagless

"They can but I don't think that they will.

"I think they can reel in Barnsley but I just don't see them catching Luton now - especially with the fixture congestion they have got coming up."