SUNDERLAND hope to make their third addition of the January transfer window later today and goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes a recent run of good form makes it easier for the new-boys to settle.

The Black Cats are expecting to confirm the arrival of Danny Graham from Swansea City before tonight's 11pm deadline having already persuaded Alfred N'Diaye and Kader Mangane to join.

Sunderland have lost just three of their last nine games - one of which was in the FA Cup - and four wins in that run has lifted them to within a point of the top ten.

Before that Sunderland's season struggled to get going and they had dropped in to the relegation zone, sparking fears of a fight against the drop.

But after Tuesday's goalless draw with Swansea, which was by no means a solid Sunderland performace, Mignolet feels the squad's new players will find it an easier place to settle in.

"The new players get a confidence boost by coming in and joining a team that has had a few good results rather than bad ones," said Mignolet.

"They have to try to get in to the team from one day to the next and when everyone is playing well then the new players know they have to be at their best quickly.

"They know we have a good side and will be pushing to get a place in a team where there are a lot of players all playing well and deserving a place. There is a lot of competition now and that can only be a good thing for the squad and the gaffer."

With Graham's expected £5.5m arrival increasing the attacking options in the Sunderland squad, Mignolet is trying to focus on Saturday's trip to Reading rather than what happens on deadline day.

"The gaffer knows what he is doing. He will do what he can. I don't know what is going on behind the scenes," he said. "We just have to look at ourselves and the game on Saturday. As a player you look forward to the next game and not to the end of the transfer window."

Sunderland struggled to pose a threat to Swansea at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, when Michael Laudrup's team controlled the game without testing the Belgian keeper himself.

Mignolet was happy with another point, although indicated there is no rush from within the dressing room to start relaxing about the nine-point gap they hold over the relegation zone.

He said: "We can't speak about being safe. We have to try to win as many as we can. There are another three points at stake at Reading and we will see where we end up in the table.

"There's still a lot to play for. It's not just about looking behind us because now we can also look up. A win on Saturday and we could be in the top half. There's lots to be excited about.

"Swansea made it tough for us because they kept the ball well. The boys worked really hard and Swansea are a very good side, especially away from home. A clean sheet and a point against them is not a bad result."

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