Sunderland should look to title-chasing Leicester City for inspiration in their bid to beat the drop

This time last year, the Foxes were bottom of the Premier League and facing relegation to the Championship.

But they went on an incredible run to secure their top flight status and now find themselves top of the Premier League and favourites to win the title after a stunning season.

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe, who scored the equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield, says the Black Cats should look to them for inspiration.

"[Leicester's] story is unbelievable," said Defoe.

"But you do think, if they can do that why can't we?"

"We have such a strong squad here now, the new boys have come in and been brilliant.

"The team spirit is great and if we carry on working hard we will get results and hopefully get them soon."

Defoe's goal against Liverpool was his sixth in his past six league games and he is reaping the rewards of leading the Sunderland forward line.

The 33-year-old former England striker is enjoying his role as the lone striker under manager Allardyce after being deployed out wide under the Englishman's predecessor, Dick Advocaat, who resigned in October.

Defoe admits he found it a bit "strange."

"The previous manager played me wide on the left, and I'd never played there before in my life, even at school.

"It was a bit strange, playing at full back when you've always been a forward.

"[Allardyce] came in and even though I have never played under him, he knows me.

"He's changed a lot of the team, as well as the intensity levels and fitness."