Sunderland can be a force, claims Jones
HAVING seemingly overcome their lack of Premier League experience, striker Kenwyne Jones last night suggested that Sunderland are ready to show the top flight just what they are about.
A first season back in the top-flight has been one of inconsistency, which has left the Black Cats struggling to climb clear of the relegation zone.
But, after claiming successive Premier League wins for the first time since December 2001, and a first away win of the campaign, there are now seven points separating Sunderland and third-bottom Bolton.
With six matches remaining, most people on Wearside believe survival is a near certainty with a win at struggling Fulham on Saturday a distinct probability.
A third win in a row - the first time Sunderland would have achieved that in the top division since December 2000 - would make it difficult to see Roy Keane's men letting such a strong position slip.
That would be a remarkable situation, given that they have hovered nervously around the drop zone for the whole of the campaign.
Jones, who arrived from Southampton last August, feels that it is almost time to start thinking about next season - but not quite.
"Sunderland have been a yo-yo club and it would be some achievement to break that sequence and go on to become a Premier League power," said Jones, a £6m man with all the top clubs monitoring his situation.
"This season will do a lot for the club and the fans and if we do stay up next season we will build and become a stronger team.
"It was just a lack of experience that held us back and stopped us putting more points on the board, but now we're are showing that we are making good progress.
"We are turning things around and now we're aiming to put a string of results together that will keep us up."
After the ecstasy of celebrating Andy Reid's 96th minute winner against West Ham at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, Keane took his squad for four days' warm weather training in Spain.
Jones and compatriot Carlos Edwards were left behind to training with the youngsters because of work permit problems. But Jones claims he will be more than ready for the trip to Craven Cottage.
Fulham, six points shy of climbing out of the bottom three, are in dire need of points and a victory could pull Keane's men back into bother.
"Fulham will be a massive game but then again to a club like Sunderland every game is massive," said Jones. "It's good that we've been able to put some breathing space between ourselves and the bottom three but we've got to remain really focused because every game will be hugely important until we're mathematically safe.
"We will be treating every game as if our lives depend on it so. But it's encouraging that the last two wins have put us on the road to safety and I believe we'll get there because I am confident in the team and its ability."
For Jones on a personal level, the visit of the Hammers last weekend also marked the start of a return to goalscoring ways.
Having failed to find the net for 11 matches, the Trinidad & Tobago international was on hand to tap in the first half equaliser that put Sunderland on the road to victory.
"It was great to get back among the goals," said Jones, who has six this season.
"At this stage it could not have been better timed and the whole place has been really buzzing.
"We are really glad that we could put a smile on people's faces after losing our last two home games.
"It was quite a long time since I had scored and now I've got to make sure that the fans see it sooner rather than later.
"But whatever happens the team comes first and as long as I play my part in helping us win then I'll be happy."
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