Sunderland have emerged as play-off contenders on their first season back in the Championship. Tony Mowbray's side sit a point adrift of the top six following their home derby victory over Middlesbrough.
Attention now turns to the FA Cup, with the Black Cats bidding to pull off a shock with a fourth-round tie away at Premier League high-flyers Fulham. Sunderland will then return to Championship action with a tricky trip to face fellow playoff contenders Millwall.
Mowbray insists the focus is on permanent additions to his squad, with Pierre Ekwah completing a switch from West Ham on Monday. Loan recruits could also be on the cards, but the Black Cat boss is wary of leaving 'holes' in his squad when these players return to their parent clubs.
