Sunderland AFC news: Kone shock, boss challenges 'fearless' youngsters to win title, Johnson court latest

And it is a well deserved mid-season break after the side picked up four points from their last two games against Liverpool and Manchester United.

New £5million defender Lamine Kone admits the squad have even surprised themselves by their points tally.

"It was important to take some points against one of the three big teams," Kone told the Echo.

"We've got four points out of nine against them, which isn’t bad at all.

"It's perhaps more than we’d hoped for."

For the full story click here:Meanwhile, Andy Welsh has backed his fearless Sunderland Under-21 side to push Manchester United all the way for the title.

The Black Cats, currently second, kept up the pressure on the league leaders with a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough thanks to a Mikael Mandron double and a Carl Lawson strike.

A stark contrast to the fortunes of the first team.

"I see no fear in them," Welsh told the Echo.

"We have competed well with United and Chelsea and there is no reason why we can’t go all the way with the top teams and we have to have a good go at it."

Read Andy Welsh's comments here:And finally, Adam Johnson's court case at Bradford Crown Court is ongoing.

Last week he admitted an offence of meeting a child following sexual grooming and an offence of sexual activity with a child.

The complainant in the case is a girl under 16.

The former Sunderland winger - sacked by the club on Thursday night - is now standing trial accused of two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Follow our live updates here: