JACK ROSS thinks Sunderland’s players have already proved they can handle the big occasion ahead of facing a sell-out crowd at League One leaders and promotion rivals Portsmouth this afternoon.

The Black Cats will have more than 2,500 fans of their own at Fratton Park, where supporters are known for creating a heated atmosphere and are sure to do the same today.

It will be Ross’ first trip to Fratton and the first time Sunderland have faced Portsmouth since the 1-1 draw in the Premier League in 2010, when Darren Bent scored for the visitors.

Lee Cattermole is the only survivor from that afternoon in the Sunderland squad. Ross thinks the club’s class of 2018 have already displayed they have what it takes to handle the pressure.

Ross said: “I was speaking to a couple of the lads this week, I have seen quite a few games there on TV, and people have told me the atmosphere is terrific.

“Their stadium is akin to Tynecastle in Scotland, a similar size, and there is a similar proximity to the supporters to the pitch. That stadium has a well-deserved reputation for being pretty hostile.

“It lends itself to good games a lot of the time. I would imagine it will be the same on Saturday. The players are looking forward to it because a lot of them have played in a lot of good games over the years. They realise that’s what is coming on Saturday.”

The last ten times Sunderland have faced Portsmouth has been in the Premier League (eight) or FA Cup, so it is no surprise there will be a full house for a meeting between third and first even if it is the final weekend before Christmas and a 666-mile round trip.

Ross said: “Looking at the game from a negative point of view, you’d say ‘how are these two clubs in League One?’ Not so long ago, and in our case the very recent past, they were Premier League clubs.

“It maybe highlights the strength of English football that two clubs like that, with the strength of their fan bases, have found themselves in League One, trying to progress back up the way. Certainly both clubs would be an asset to the leagues above them.”

But Ross insists he will not be looking for anyone connected with Sunderland to over react to any result from Fratton Park. He knows it carries greater significance because of where the teams are, but there will be a further 25 games in the promotion race for Sunderland.

Ross, with his side also having two games in hand to close the five-point gap, said: “Because of where this falls in the season, it is highlighted more and has had the build up. It’s not going to determine our season. It’s important, of course it is, but each and every game is important.

“We have worked hard at not getting too high with the highs and not getting too low with the lows. Because of how things have been in the past, if we did that the players would probably get really low when they have lost games.

“We have tried hard to remain consistent in our approach and reactions. If we have success on Saturday we won’t get carried away with it because we have a game on Boxing Day to come, likewise if we lose or draw you dust yourself down and go again. I would never say it’s not important because it is. It is not season defining.

“The way it has worked out the fact it is at their stadium and it is a sell out, it all lends itself to an exciting game. We have had this clear week, it has allowed that build up and to give players a real feel for how important it is.”