Sunderland boss Jack Ross claims that Sunday's FA Cup game against Port Vale is just as important as any league game has been for the Black Cats.

The Wearside outfit are flying high in League One, with victory over Plymouth last time making it five wins in a row to lift them into the automatic promotion places.

Therefore, many would understand if the former St. Mirren boss wanted to make wholesale changes against League Two Vale, with the league the priority.

However, Ross told the Sunderland Echo that he is determined to keep the winning run going and outlined exactly why the competition means a lot to him and the club:

"With the form we’re in at the moment, we want to carry on that momentum of winning games so the game on Sunday is just as important as any league games we’ve had recently.

"I know Charlie Methven has spoken this week about how it can help us financially. There’s a whole load of reasons we want to progress in the competition."

The north east side will go into the televised clash as firm favourites, with the Staffordshire hosts currently 13th in the fourth-tier of English football.

The Verdict

This will please fans as a cup run will always be appreciated by the supporters who want to see their side win games.

As well as that, with a week until the next League One game, there is no real reason to hold players back.

Sunderland can, and will, approach this game as they would a league fixture and it's an opportunity to extend their magnificent recent run against a lower-league side.

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

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