SUNDERLAND'S Nyron Nosworthy has told his side to go for the "jugular" when they entertain West Ham on Saturday.

The Wearsiders snatched their first away win of the season at Aston Villa last week to provide the club with some breathing space above the Premier League relegation zone.

And Brixton-born defender Nosworthy (pictured) believes that a positive start against the Irons is vital if they are to record back to back victories for the first time this season and get the Stadium of Light crowd onside.

"As usual the fans will make a difference," he said.

"We were so pleased that we gave them something to cheer about at Villa because they have followed us everywhere this season with little reward.

"We now need to start well against West Ham, get the crowd going and give them no breathing space - we need to go for the jugular."

The 27-year-old stopper claims that the win at Villa Park has given the team enough confidence to believe they can now go on an unbeaten run until the end of the season.

With seven games to play - including crunch battles with Fulham, Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Bolton, as well as a final day clash with Arsenal - that appears a bold statement.

But Nosworthy told the club's offical website: "It's possible if we keep our attitude. It might sound like a big ask but we can do it.

"On paper we have a run of games where we should pick up a few points.

"We are playing with confidence, we look solid and we've got to keep doing it."