Ricky: We need 41 points to keep us in top flight

Mar 8 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

RICKY SBRAGIA has set Sunderland a target of 41 points to guarantee Premier League survival — but he insists he won’t settle for the bare minimum.

Sunderland went into yesterday’s game against Spurs with a four-point cushion between themselves and the relegation zone, but Sbragia says no club in the bottom half of the table can rest easy just yet.

With 10 games left, Sunderland need to average almost a point-per-game to reach Sbragia’s target, but the Black Cats boss wants to reach that mark as quickly as possible and then start to push for a top 10 finish.

“I’m looking at about 41 points as a benchmark,” he said.

“Obviously, I’d like as many as possible but 41 points is the minimum — that’s what I think will as good as guarantee safety.