Defoe hails ‘special’ Sunderland fans

Jermain Defoe insists Sunderland fans can play a big part in keeping them up this season after inspiring David Moyes’ side to their first point of the new campaign on Saturday.

The Black Cats had a poor start with back-to-back Premier League defeats against Manchester City and Middlesbrough, but Defoe scored from the spot in their 1-1 draw at Southampton.

And the striker is adamant their supporters will play a crucial role in tight matches, as Sunderland target a comfortable season clear of relegation danger.

“I have said it many times since I have been here, the fans are unbelievable. They turn up in big numbers as always,” he said.

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“Win, lose or draw they always sing and the reception at the end was unbelievable. I remember against Stoke last season when we got a point, you would have thought we won the game and it is amazing.

“As players we are lucky to have fans like that because it drives you on even when you are tight and fatiguing towards the end of a game, it gives you that little extras to keep going.

“As players you have to play for the fans because they are special fans and go all over the country. It is a long distance. They don’t fly like us.

“It is a long season and there is a lot to play for, so we need to come back from the internationals ready to go.”