Black Cats ready to work hard

Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman insists the squad are ready to work hard this season and feels they will soon adjust to life in the Championship.

The Black Cats kicked off their Championship campaign against Derby on Friday with a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

New boss Simon Grayson has been tasked with the job of taking the club immediately back to the Premier League and his attacking approach was clear to see against the Rams.

Sunderland, who can be backed at 23.00 to win the Championship title, registered 20 shots and should really have added to their tally during a decent first half performance in the north east.

Honeyman believes the squad are still getting used to the fact that they are no longer regarded as underdogs and feels the fans will enjoy watching them go out to attack in 2017-18.

“We’ve got to get used to not being the underdogs in every game, that’ll be a process,” Honeyman said.

“But it’s good, yeah – the lads loved the atmosphere and loved the game. If we keep playing like that we know they will keep coming.

“The crowd love hard work, attacking and competitive games, that’s what we gave them. With this manager, that’s what we will give them every week.

“Hopefully they’ll keep coming in their droves and we can climb up the table.”