Younes Kaboul says the recent draws against Swansea and Aston Villa have shown the spirit within the Sunderland squad.

Huge doubts were issued over the Black Cats’ survival chances following opening defeats to Leicester and Norwich but they have bounced back with plucky displays in their last two outings.

Combine this with the Capital One Cup win over League Two Exeter and there now appears to be a feeling of optimism surrounding the Stadium of Light.

Kaboul is one of a number of new arrivals at the club this summer with boss Dick Advocaat hoping the Frenchman’s experience can add some extra stability to an often fragile back four.

The 29-year-old admits he has been pleased with the spirit his side have shown, most notably at Villa Park, and has called on them to continue working hard in their bid to improve.

“The thing I took from the Villa game was the spirit in the team,”
Kaboul is quoted as saying by the Chronicle Live. “We showed great character after being 2-1 down at half-time and come back to 2-2.

“I’m very pleased with the way we came back in the game. The truth is on the pitch. People can say what they want.

“But at the end of the day, we are the ones on the pitch who can determine this situation. The most important thing is we work hard to fix some things that we need to.”

Next up for Sunderland, who are the 1.53 favourites to be relegated, is a clash against Kaboul’s former side Tottenham on September 13.

The Black Cats are 3.80 to win the match, with the draw 3.40 and the Lilywhites 1.95 to take the points from Wearside.