SUNDERLAND manager Jack Ross wants his side to show a ruthless nature during a big week for the club.

The Black Cats have three home games in a week, starting tomorrow when Blackpool visit the Stadium of Light, before Accrington arrive on Friday and then Gillingham next Tuesday.

Win the next two games and Ross’ side will be in an automatic promotion spot before the rest of the division plays on Saturday.

“We have gone ahead in a lot of games and not won – we have not scored the second goal in a lot of games,’’ he said. “Irrespective of the level of football you are playing at, when there’s only one goal in the game there is always the opportunity for the opposition to get back into it.

The Northern Echo:

“One indifferent decision – as on Saturday – can change the outcome and result. Scoring that second goal if you like would give the team a cushion and makes it more difficult for the opposition to come back into it.’’

Ross was frustrated at the weekend as Oxford grabbed a late equaliser to peg his side back and, with a full squad available – Lee Cattermole has trained this morning – he wants his side to take their disappointment out on the Tangerines tomorrow.

He admitted: “I think there’s a bit of frustration from the weekend and a determination to put things right.

“Frustration because we were close to winning the game on Saturday, but I always work to the premise you can never affect what has gone on – you can only affect what is ahead.

“And what we do have tomorrow and Friday is two home games here where we have an opportunity to climb the table in our own hands because, Doncaster excepted, no-one else is playing at the top of the league.’’