Sunderland have moved to just three points away from the automatic promotion places following a run of just one defeat in their last 12 matches. 

Over those 12 games, the Black Cats have won eight and drawn three with their only defeat coming away to Portsmouth at the start of this month.

Sunderland face Bristol Rovers on Saturday before crucial ties with Fleetwood Town and Coventry City, with the latter currently occupying second place in the League One table.

Fans will be desperate to see their side return to the Championship this season following last term's heartbreaking last-minute Wembley defeat to Charlton Athletic.

One player who has been key to Sunderland's recent form is defender Jordan Willis who joined the club over the summer from Coventry City.

The 25-year-old has featured in 30 of Sunderland's 31 league games so far this term and has been a key figure in their defence over the last twelve games, which has seen them keep an impressive eight clean sheets.

On Wednesday, Sunderland's official Twitter page posted a simple motivational message from the defender ahead of what will be a crucial run for the Black Cats.

"We have to keep going, looking at one game at a time, looking to keep getting a win in the next game and then going from there," the defender's message read.

"Our focus is always on winning our next game." 

Sunderland fans will know that should results go their way on Saturday, they could potentially move into the automatic promotion places for the first time this season.

Should Sunderland take maximum points from their next two fixtures it would make their clash with Coventry on 1st March a huge game for both sides.

The Verdict 

After a slow start under Phil Parkinson, things have really begun to work out for the Black Cats and have demonstrated their promotion credentials by this impressive run which began in mid-December.

Parkinson's side are fourth in the form table but look likely to continue to climb that and the actual League One standings.

Willis has been one of Sunderland's rocks during this run and he is right to try and keep both the fans and his teammate's feet on the ground as the Black Cats look to maintain a strong finish to the season.

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