Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has called on the squad to remain positive as they look to upset league leaders Leicester when they travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend.

The Black Cats, who are priced at 1.33 to be relegated, were left frustrated on their return from the international break after a goalless draw against an organised West Brom.

Sunderland are unbeaten in four but a late victory for Norwich over Newcastle saw the Canaries pull four points clear of the bottom three last Saturday.

Sam Allardyce’s men are set to welcome Leicester to the north east on Sunday before travelling to Carrow Road the following weekend for what could be a decisive showdown.

Defoe believes that although the Norwich game looks more important it doesn’t mean they should ease off when they take on the Foxes.

The striker pointed to last season’s experience at the bottom and feels that remaining positive can help as they fight for their survival.

Defoe said: “The Norwich game is massive but we need to bridge the gap this weekend against Leicester City.

“At this stage of the season every game is big and the pressure is on, but if we stay positive and we believe we can do what we’ve done before then that’s it because there is no reason why can’t we win every game.

“The reality is that we’re in a similar position to last season and once again we need to get out of it.

“At Southampton we conceded late on, against Newcastle we couldn’t hold on and those four points are just an example of what could have been a lot more.

“It was frustrating but if we keep performing in a similar way our luck will change and we will pick up the points we need.”