Wahib Khazri says it is too early in the season for Sunderland to panic despite their poor run of form.

The Black Cats, who are 1.75 to be relegated, are bottom of the Premier League after failing to win any of their opening seven games.

Boss David Moyes has admitted they are in a relegation battle early on and, with two points to their name, it appears it could be another season of struggle for the Wearsiders.

Their next game sees them travel to second-bottom Stoke on Saturday and both sides will be desperate to earn three points which could potentially kickstart their respective campaigns.

After impressing last season under Sam Allardyce following his January move from Bordeaux, Khazri has struggled for opportunities so far this term, but could get the nod against Mark Hughes’ men following injuries to Steven Pienaar and Adnan Januzaj.

Despite their situation, the winger insists the mood in the camp remains upbeat ahead of the trip to the Potteries.

The 25-year-old believes hard work will be the key to their chances of beating the drop for another year. “No panic, we need to work hard every day and play 100 per cent every game,” Khazri said. “If we do that then the goals and the wins will come back.

“We need to keep working hard.” Sunderland are 3.60 to win on Saturday, the draw is 3.50 and Stoke are priced as the 2.05 favourites.