Jack Ross has discussed the importance of momentum ahead of an important week for Sunderland heading into the festive period.

The Black Cats are third in the League One standings after last weekend’s abandonment at Accrington Stanley with the game level at 1-1.

With that fixture to be re-arranged, and a brief break from their endeavours in the league to fulfil their FA Cup second round replay, Jack Ross has cited the importance of maintaining a winning mentality, regardless of the competition.

After tomorrow’s cup tie, Sunderland host Bristol Rovers before a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash away at Portsmouth three days before Christmas.

Ross will be using the FA Cup to continue the upward motion the club is currently headed in and expressed that when speaking to the press ahead of the replay with Walsall at Banks’s Stadium on Tuesday evening.

"We have Bristol Rovers on Saturday and then Portsmouth after that before another really busy schedule.

“We want to create a mentality in the building of winning every week and it is important for us to continue that momentum tomorrow.”

The verdict

Winning breeds confidence and confidence morphs into momentum and that is precisely what is happening at the Stadium of Light.

After a couple of turbulent years, it looks as if Jack Ross is getting them back where their fans expect them to be.

With each win that is recorded, confidence builds further, and a positive mentality manifests itself.

Just like when they were losing every week, the mentality ingrained became that of a losing one.

Ross has altered that no end and he is right to want to continue their good form at present in the cup and the league.

No matter what completion it is, a win is a win, it boosts morale and allows confidence to grow game after game.