Danny Batth says Sunderland's FA Cup tie against Fulham has shown the Black Cats the levels they must reach if they are to make it to the Premier League. Sunderland went out of the cup at the fourth round stage against the London side - who finished top of the Championship last season - after losing Wednesday's replay 3-2 at the Stadium of Light, with the teams having fought out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in the initial tie.
Ultimately, Fulham's quality shone through but Sunderland did enough over the two games to show they can carve out chances and score goals against top flight opposition and Sunderland can take confidence from that as they continue their challenge for a Championship play-off place when Reading visit Wearside this weekend. "I think the higher level you want to play at the more all-round the players are, they are physical, they handle the ball and run all day," Batth said of Fulham.
"That’s the standard you have to get to if you want to play in the Premier League. Our team, we have players who are very technical, we have a good blend of power and pace as well but we are developing all the time and I think you saw over the two games there's a confidence and belief in the group and that's only a good thing."
