SUNDERLAND boss Peter Reid last night called on his players to "get that fire back in their bellies" as they go into a crucial, four-match holiday programme.

The Wearsiders have been blowing hot and cold this season and were given a tongue-lashing by the manager after their worst performance of the season in a 2-0 defeat at Southampton last week.

Now Reid expects a positive reaction in this afternoon's home game against Everton before two daunting away tests against Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day and the long journey to bottom club Ipswich Town on Saturday.

"We owe it to our supporters after what happened at Southmapton," admitted Reid.

He said: "At home we have been very positive and we have played very well, especially in our last game against Chelsea.

"Defensively we have been OK, but the lack of goals has been a concern and we must start helping out Kevin Phillips in this department.

"When you look at the make-up of the side we do have attacking players who can do that - but instead of letting things happen we have to be positive and start making things happen. That's certainly something we will be impressing on the players this week."

Reid admits being disappointed by his side's poor away form this season, particularly in the defeats at Leicester and Southampton.

"I just feel that away from home all season we just haven't been at it - in the past we have prided ourselves on being a side that is hard to beat.

"When you look at the make up of a good side they are difficult to beat at home and away and certainly we have to get that back into our play. I am certain we have the players who are capable of doing that - at Southampton we has eight internationals starting the game and another four on the bench so the quality is there and we have just got to start performing.

"That's the concern I have got at the moment." He admitted: "The important thing is now to get three points at home against Everton and then think about getting it sorted out away from home.

"I think we've got the players there - we have just got to get that fire back in our bellies and make it difficult for teams to beat us.

"If you get beat sometimes you have to hold up your hands, but we are not making it hard enough for opponents away from home."

Sunderland beat Leeds United and West Ham before drawing with Chelsea in the last three home games.

Reid said: "I'm sure if you asked any of those teams they would tell you how hard we were to play against. But with respect we went to Leicester and Southampton and didn't perform as well."

Reid revealed that he had his players in for an inquest on the Southampton defeat and he expects the right reaction against Everton this afternoon.

He said: "I've had a chat with them and we are all in it together." Reid is expected to switch back to a more familiar 4-4-2 system against Everton, with Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn expected to renew his partnership with Phillips up front.

Brazilian central defender Emerson Thome has also recovered from a knee injury which kept him out of the game at Southampton and is also expected to return.

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