Manager Roy Keane will strengthen his squad and Nosworthy says there will be pressure from inside and outside the club to ensure there is no repeat of last season's scrap for survival.

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The Black Cats stayed in the Premier League, but were only three points above the drop zone.

With significant investment set to be made again in the playing squad this summer, Keane, the club's moneymen and certainly the fans will be looking for signs of progress next term.

Nosworthy said: "We expect pressure if the club is to move forward.

"It's something we have to get used to.

"If there is money to spend, the manager will be under pressure himself to achieve certain things, but I'm sure he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Regardless of what people have done this season, we have to be more consistent next season."

Sunderland have already been linked with a £2.5million interest in Manchester City centre-back Richard Dunne and Nosworthy knows he will have to strive for a higher level of performance next season.

"That is the pressure of playing in the Premier League," he said.

"If you don't perform then changes will be made.

"If you're not doing what you should be doing there is always someone biting at your ankles and ready to come in and replace you.

"It's a good pressure for all of us to have.

"We know we should be going for the top 10 next season.

"Firstly, let's not be dragged into a relegation battle, but we are well capable of making it into the top 10.

"But we're not kidding ourselves.

"There are probably a few teams thinking the same, although we've got to be among the favourites."