MICHAEL Gray has urged his Sunderland teammates to hit a ruthless streak in front of goal.

The Black Cats skipper was part of a side that was unable to break down a resolute Middlesbrough in the Tees-Wear derby on Tuesday night.

And he is convinced that Sunderland will have to make massive improvements in the final third if they are to cope in the absence of injured star striker Kevin Phillips.

Peter Reid's men have only scored twice in the opening five fixtures of the new Premiership season - in a 1-0 win over Leeds and a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

But Gray is confident they can take the positives out of the Riverside clash and into Saturday's encounter with Fulham at the Stadium of Light.

"I think we played some good football at times at Boro and we certainly started the game looking very sharp," he said.

"But when we have spells where we are on top in games we have to take advantage - and when we don't take advantage, we can't let ourselves be downhearted.

"We have to console ourselves with the fact that we kept on getting the ball into the box for the front lads. If we keep on doing that, we'll score goals."

Prior to Sunderland's 3-0 reverse on Teesside, Reid's outfit were in buoyant mood after the encouraging results against Leeds and the Red Devils - as well as the £10m double capture of Tore Andre Flo and Marcus Stewart.

But, refusing to be downbeat, Gray remains optimistic about the season ahead and he is hoping the Wearside-outfit can bounce back in style against the Cottagers.

"I think everyone has been very positive all season and the games against Leeds and Manchester United lifted things another notch," said the 28-year-old.

"It is important that we don't let this result burst our bubble.

"The lads came off the pitch disappointed at losing but they are still thinking positively.

"We have to lift ourselves now for the Fulham game - that's what we talked about in the dressing room last night.

"We need to put this game to bed and concentrate on getting back on track this weekend."

According to sources in Italy, meanwhile, River Plate star Maxi Lopez has attracted interest from Sunderland and Tottenham.

The Argentinian is wanted by Italian side Reggina but the forward is keeping his options open before agreeing to move to Europe. Lopez is a youth international who has shone for the River Plate first team.

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