Jack Ross has been quoted by the Sunderland Echo about his thoughts on the gruelling fixture schedule that could provide an obstacle to the Black Cats wonderful run this season.

His side is unbeaten in 15 matches, but a series of Tuesday and Saturday fixtures is slowly testing his squad to the very limit - they'll have played eight games between now and New Years Day, two in the cup and six in League One.

The relentless schedule is proving challenging, but Ross was honest in assessment, staying that it is the same for a number of teams.

“That is the two challenges of the schedule; managing the players through it, the time on the training pitch becomes almost nil and the logistics of planning and all the travelling that come with it," said the former St. Mirren boss.

"There is a lot of challenges logistically that come with the schedule, it is very demanding but other teams have similar schedules."

His side are also due to play Charlton at the start of January, a game that will be moved if they make it through to the FA Cup third round.

The Black Cats are currently second in the table and are in both the second round FA Cup and through the group stages of the EFL trophy.

The Verdict

The schedule is no different for other sides in the FA Cup and EFL trophy in League One and Two. Lincoln City have the same fixture pile up with a far smaller squad, so at least Ross can call on an extensive Under 23 side, should he wish.

He's pragmatic though and not using it as an excuse, which is great. Someone like Karl Robinson or David Flitcroft might be more belligerent about the pressure, but Ross is a realist and knows his side are no different to anyone else.

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