KEVIN KYLE admits the pressure on Sunderland's misfiring strikers to end the club's goal drought is beginning to mount.

Manager Mick McCarthy has continued to stand by his front two despite a dreadful run in front of goal.

Top-scorer Kyle has failed to find the net in seven matches for the Black Cats and partner Marcus Stewart has grabbed just two goals in 14 matches.

And the big Scot revealed that failure to fire in the goals that would boost Sunderland's promotion chances is beginning to prey on his mind ahead of today's visit of Burnley.

But Kyle, likely to make an immediate return to the side after missing last week's 3-0 defeat at Crewe, insists his partnership with Stewart will soon hit form again.

"When we go out onto a pitch we are getting paid to score the goals to get the three points," said the 22-year-old.

"We know it's a team game but we have to score and at the minute we are not doing that.

"We are downhearted because we are not scoring but we have got to stay positive.

"If we start to get negative thoughts then it will get even worse.

"The goals will come, I'm sure of that, because the lads around us are creating a lot of good chances.

"I waited a long, long time for my first goal and then they came along in abundance. I'm sure once I get another, or Marcus gets one, then a load will follow."

Despite the pair's poor goals return, Kyle is a man who is determined to reach the targets he sets himself.

He explained: "I set out to get 15 in a season. That's one goal every three League games.

"When I was scoring last month, and I reached seven, I was getting something like one goal every two games.

"If I get 15 I will be happy with that and if I can get 20 that will be great.

"If me and Marcus can get 40 to 45 goals between us then I'm sure that is job well done.

"If I come off the pitch and I haven't scored but set up two, then I'm just as pleased sometimes.

"I'm sure if you asked Niall Quinn the same thing he would say he was pleased to set up Kevin Phillips when they were here. Quinny was doing his job, it's a team effort and if I get an assist that's just as good in my eyes."

Sunderland face Burnley and then high-flying Wigan at the Stadium of Light in the space of three days.

And Kyle is looking forward to returning to action, he said: "We have got two home games and if we can get six points then we will be right up there and hopefully we will climb away from some of the teams below us.

"I was gutted when I woke up last Saturday and I had no game to look forward to.

"Hopefully that will be the last game I miss because I didn't enjoy it one bit.

"I also didn't like the crack with the physios in the treatment room!

"It's not as good as being out on the training pitch with the lads."

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