George Dobson reveals what Sunderland must do to break into the League One top two

That’s how Sunderland’s squad are approaching a crucial run of fixtures, according to midfielder George Dobson.

The Black Cats are well in the thick of the automatic promotion race and, with 11 games remaining in their League One campaign, are within touching distance of the top two.

Rotherham and Coventry City currently occupy the top two places in the third tier, with Sunderland still to face both during a dramatic end to the campaign.

But despite a fine run of form – which has seen Sunderland embark on a five game unbeaten run – Dobson insists the side must continue to focus on the short-term in order to achieve their goal of a return to the Championship.

“We take it game by game,” said the midfielder.

“I know everyone says it, but it literally has to be. If you look too far ahead you'll get caught up in it too much. You've just got to focus on the next game you play and try your best as a team and as an individual to get the three points to then take you into the next game.

“And that's what we've got to keep doing for the next 11. If we play to how we can I'm sure there's a good chance we can pick up enough wins to be where we want to be.”

That means Sunderland are fully focused on this weekend’s trip to Coventry City, with the Sky Sports cameras set to descend on the Midlands for the clash.

And Dobson is under no illusions as to the ‘massive’ nature of the game, and is well aware of the threats the Sky Blues can pose.

“I feel like Coventry play very similar to us now in terms of their formation and our formation,” he said.

“So it'll be a good game. It's obviously a massive game in terms of the context of the league.

“But we're very confident we can go there and I'm put in a very good performance. And if we do, hopefully, we'll get the result.”