GARY BREEN will draw on his own international play-off experiences in a bid to help Sunderland achieve their Premiership goal.

The centre-back was part of a Republic of Ireland side that had to try to qualify for two major championships via the backdoor.

In 1999 Turkey ended the Republic's hopes of appearing in the last European Championships and then two years later Iran were defeated as the Irish claimed a place in the 2002 World Cup.

On both occasions Ireland, led by Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, had the unwanted task of having to travel for the second leg.

Now Breen has revealed the determination within the Sunderland camp to succeed in Division One's end-of-season event after booking their place in the top-six with Tuesday's win over Norwich.

And he is hoping for a victory at Burnley this Sunday to ensure the return leg, whoever it maybe against, will take place at a vibrant Stadium of Light.

"I have never played in the play-offs before but in international football it would have been nice to play the away leg first and then take them back home," said Breen, knowing a point will secure third spot.

"You just have to make sure you don't let the occasion get to you and we have lads who have coped with that throughout their careers. We just have to make sure the younger lads don't get swept away by the occasion.

"It would be nice to finish in the top three, as we believe there aren't any other teams better than us. West Brom and Norwich are better than us because of their consistency and they are worthy champions and runners-up.

"When we go to Burnley there will be no danger of us not performing. I understand why people say we will not be bothered because we have claimed a play-off spot but, when you go out on to the pitch, and your supporters are watching, how can you not perform?"

After the victory over champions Norwich, McCarthy was quick to insist that his players returned to the centre circle and applaud the club's fans after their final home league game.

Breen, well aware that one more game will now have to be played on Wearside, was in no mood for the party atmosphere and he pointed to the fact that Sunderland still have a lot to do in their quest for a top-flight return.

"The manager was keen for us to go around and say thank you to the fans but I was reluctant because we have still got it all to do," said Breen, who could face his previous club, West Ham, in the play-offs.

"We need their support but I don't think we should walk around taking plaudits when we have not quite achieved what we have set out to do.

"We did beat the champions and a play-off place has been achieved but that is in the past now. It was a nice feeling and it's a good start as we look to the play-offs with confidence. But that's all it is, a start.

"We thought we would have gone up automatically but we had a lot of injuries. We are now doubly determined to get in the Premiership."

* Applications, from season ticket holders and Black Cats Bar members, for the play-off semi-final tickets will only be accepted up to 5.30pm today. Any late applications may not be guaranteed.

Members of the Home Cup Payment scheme need do nothing ahead of the home leg, neither do those wishing to go to the away leg who are members of the Away Ticket Scheme. Tickets go on general sale on Monday for the home leg of the semi-finals, while away leg tickets will be on general sale from 10am on Wednesday.

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