SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid, delighted with the point-winning performance at Liverpool, said last night: "We have turned the corner."
But the Wearsiders' progress will be put to the test at the Stadium of Light tomorrow when Leicester City, joint top of the Premier League with Manchester United, try to bounce back after their 3-1 UEFA Cup exit at the hands of Red Star Belgrade.
Reid admits his side have not played at their best before the home fans, who proved a major influence in the 2-1 home win over Derby County this month.
But he goes into tomorrow's game expecting much better following an inspired display at Anfield.
He said: "I thought we looked much more comfortable and confident. The way we went about the job was first class and I just feel we are getting there.
"On the day I thought we played the better football and looked the more likely side to go and win it, and the lads will have gained a lot of heart and a lot of confidence from that performance."
Reid, unhappy with the Worthington Cup display at Luton, despite a 2-1 victory, will make ten changes, fielding the team he kept the same at Liverpool, providing midfielder Darren Williams has recovered from a knee injury he picked up at Kenilworth Road.
He rates Leicester City very highly and has been impressed with the way former England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor has taken over the reins from Martin O'Neill.
Reid said: "The loss of Martin O'Neill was seen as a blow by Leicester fans but Peter Taylor has come in and kept the momentum going. He has has done terrifically well.
"He has always been regarded as a very good coach and now he is proving to be a very good manager."
Reid added: "Last season when we beat Leicester City 2-0 at the Stadium of Light it gave me a lot of comfort.
"I regarded them as a good, solid Premier League club and, having beaten them, I just thought we had a chance.
"They are at the top of the First Division, they've played in Europe this week and they have a team full of internationals.
"It is going to be very difficult for us, but we are going into the game with confidence and we are looking to get a result."
Reid wants to put on a good show for the fans, who have given the team every encouragement.
He admitted: "We were edgy in the last home game against Derby County and the fans saw us through.
"Hopefully we can go out on Sunday and put on a better performance.
"We took a lot of confidence from the form we showed at Anfield and now we have got to show it at the Stadium of Light. Leicester are a quality side and I want us to play well against them."
l Sunderland utility man Darren Holloway looks set to join First Division Wimbledon after the clubs agreed a £1.3m transfer fee.
The 22-year-old Crook man was in London yesterday discussing personal terms and Reid said: "We have agreed a fee and it is entirely up to the boy now."
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