Ricky Sbragia insists Sunderland remain locked in a battle for Premier League survival, but believes nine more points will secure their status.The Black Cats head for Liverpool on Tuesday night defending a four-game unbeaten run in the league which has helped them to climb into 12th place in the table.
However, their inactivity at the weekend - they were due to play Tottenham, who were instead in the Carling Cup final - saw Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Stoke all make up ground on the sides above them to leave the Wearsiders five points clear of the drop zone, but still far from safe.
Sbragia was there to witness Boro's shock win over Rafael Benitez's side, and admitted it had given several clubs food for thought.
He said: "Yes, I think there are a lot of teams still involved - and Manchester City could be drawn into that as well. It's amazing what three points can do.
"I was hoping maybe Middlesbrough didn't win, and I was hoping maybe that Blackburn didn't win, which would have made it slightly better.
"But we have got to focus on us. I am aware of where we are in the table, and if we get another, probably, nine points, we might be safe.
"That's what I am looking at, I am looking at around 40. But you are always aware of the teams below you.
