'We’ve got to be ready to meet fire with fire' - Joey Barton's message to Bristol Rovers squad ahead of Sunderland clash

Promotion-chasing Sunderland head to Bristol looking to further dent Rovers’ survival hopes.

Rovers were beaten by Swindon Town Tuesday to leave them fourth-bottom. Barton wants a reaction.

Barton said: “A champion’s response is about how you get up off the canvas.

“These lads have got Sunderland Saturday. Lee Johnson was in the stands (on Tuesday) for a side who are chasing promotion.

“In our league, you’re either getting hunted or you’re hunting, and at this moment in time, we’ve got to dust ourselves down and we’ve got to be ready to meet fire with fire.

“It can’t just be me talking about it, it can’t just be me and the staff talking about it all the time.

"The players have got to show it through action.

"They’re fighting for their lives as League One players and they’re fighting for their lives at this football club.”

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