TONY MOWBRAY is not yet ready to start reassessing his ambitions – despite Sunderland having returned to the play-off positions courtesy of this evening’s 3-0 win at QPR.

The Black Cats are back in the top six after a first-half strike from Luke O’Nien and two second-half goals from Jack Clarke enabled them to claim a second victory in the space of four days.

Sunderland leaped above Millwall, who lost at Coventry City, but Mowbray is determined to keep expectations in check given the lack of both depth and experience in his squad.

The Black Cats boss said: “We've talked about our concern with how small the squad is and the number of games we have at this moment in time, but at this moment in time, we're doing okay.

“There's no demands here other than to develop this group of players, and yet they keep punching above their weight.

“I know the league is really tight and you could find yourself 16th with a couple of defeats - but there's no pressure on us. We’ll just keep giving these lads game time, and let's see how we go.”

While Sunderland’s counter-attacking abilities were on display in thrilling fashion in the final ten minutes, as they ripped QPR apart seemingly at will, Mowbray was equally as impressed with the defensive resilience that enabled the Black Cats to cling on to their lead when QPR threatened the rally for a 15-minute period in the second half.

He said: “Just as important as the talent we've got at the top end of the pitch is people putting their body on the line in our box, winning headers and blocking shots.

“I think the group are enjoying the challenge of collectively finding a way to win matches.

“I'm constantly telling my defenders to get the ball through to these wonderful players. They are defending really and that's not a bad combination with the players at the other end.”