JACK COLBACK is thankful that Sunderland have not slipped into the bottom three of the Premier League as their battle against relegation enters the end game.

A defeat to Stoke on Monday and a victory for Wigan the following night would have sent the Black Cats into the drop zone with two games to play, but Colback was relieved that Sunderland battled to a point to keep them clear of the bottom three.

Sunderland host Southampton on Sunday before travelling to Tottenham a week later, and Colback said: "If we had been heading into the last two games in the bottom three then it would be a massive factor.

"Morale would have taken a dent. It would have been a big blow and there would have been greater pressure on Sunday's game with a tough away game at Tottenham to come.

"It would have been disappointing had we been in the bottom three, but we have got that point and kept the teams around us in it.

"It looks like it will go to the very last game and we need to focus on Sunday. If we can get the points then we will be a bit closer. Wigan have got Villa at home in the last game, all sorts can happen.

"All you need to do is look at the Championship and what happened on the last day. Four or five teams dropped down and in the end it was Peterborough. Firstly we have to get that win, focus on Sunday and make sure we come out and start better than we did against Stoke."

Sunderland's point against the Potters was all the more admirable considering they were down to ten men after Craig Gardner was sent off for a reckless challenge on Charlie Adam.

Colback added: "Before the game we would have liked to beat Stoke so it is two points lost in that respect, but the events of the game, with the sending off, being 1-0 down, it's a point gained.

"A win and we would have been there or thereabouts to safety. That's what we wanted so we could relax slightly for the last two.

"You can't prepare for what's going happen in games, so to have been down to ten men and 1-0 down we should be happy with a point."

Gardner will miss the next three games, while Stephane Sessegnon misses two after his dismissal a week ago.

Colback was delighted to see Adam Johnson step up to the attacking midfield role behind Danny Graham on Monday.

"Adam Johnson was different class," said Colback. "He was a real outlet for us. If we gave him the ball we expected something to happen when he had it.

"He is direct when he gets on it. We see in pretty much every game that teams double on him because they know his threat. He seems to wriggle out of those situations.

"He is a big player but we all need to deliver. Every player, every member of this team will be important in the next fortnight."