Kavanagh wants premiership return

23 september 2006, 11:43

Koen Freriks

Graham Kavanagh believes Sunderland are capable of attaining automatic promotion to the Premiership this season.

The Black Cats' prospects looked bleak after four straight defeats to start the season.

However, the boost in morale since Roy Keane's arrival has seen them secure ten points from the last twelve available, and they can make another leap towards the business end of the table with a win against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Kavanagh, one of six signings by Keane on transfer deadline day last month, said: "Because of the slow start to the season we didn't pick up any points but if you get two points a game you're going to get promoted.

"We've got to go on a hell of a run and probably win eight or nine on the bounce, which we're capable of doing.

"We set the benchmark with the performance at Leeds link, so we've shown how we can play and we need to look forward in a positive manner and aspire to those sorts of performances."