Hysen not settling for the play-offs

Posted on 17th January 2007

Sunderland player Tobias Hysen will not settle for a play-off place. He says instead Sunderland must aim for the top. Sunderland have recovered after a woeful start to the season and have climbed up the table under manager Roy Keane. Sunderland are now just one point from the top six.

Sunderland head to Sheffield Wednesday this weekend knowing that, depending on other results, a win at Hillsborough could see them sitting in a play-off spot by Saturday tea-time. Swedish international Hysen, however, insists Sunderland should now concentrate on cutting the 10-point gap between themselves and the automatic promotion places.

“When we started climbing the league, we were probably 10 points away from the play-offs,” said the player. “In the space of 15 games we have closed that gap to one point and we are desperate to make the next step. The top two are 10 points ahead of us now and we have to set our sights high. There are plenty of games left for us to get the points we need so I am not thinking our goal is just the play-offs. This weekend's game is a big one for us against a team which is not far behind us in the league. Sheffield Wednesday will feel they can get into the play-offs so they will want maximum points from their home games. This is an important clash for both clubs.”

Birmingham City top the Championship table with 53 points but in-form Derby County drew level with the Blues last weekend thanks to a 90th-minute winner against Wednesday at Pride Park, while Birmingham's game was postponed. Sunderland face a tough job to climb above these teams.

“There is usually one team which is cruising at the top of the table,” he said. “It is close between Birmingham and Derby, but Birmingham might have the strength in depth to win the division. If one team goes clear at the top and has a run of wins, that can help those chasing from behind. It will be tough to get into the top two because there are strong teams ahead of us. The run we have had will put other teams on their guard, but we are confident in the ability we have in the squad.”

Earlier Sunderland news

Sunderland boosted with pair’s return to action
Evans would welcome extended stay
Result makes a change admits Keane
Stokes believes Sunderland can get promotion
Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Sunderland trying to capture Warnock
Stead future in doubt as signings made
Hysen – I could have had a hat–trick
Patience the key says Keane
We can't be come back kings every week
Yorke gets glowing reference from manager
Ward urges Cats to keep focus
Connolly credits away fans with point
Varga sets his sights high
Keane only has a small one