TONY MOWBRAY has urged his Sunderland players to ‘dare to believe’ as they prepare for the first leg of their play-off semi-final with Luton Town at the weekend.

The Black Cats are attempting to become the first club in the Premier League era to secure back-to-back promotions from League One to the top-flight, but before they can begin to contemplate a play-off final appearance at Wembley, they have to overcome a Luton side that finished 11 points above them.

The Hatters have the advantage of playing Tuesday’s decisive second leg at Kenilworth Road, but when he speaks to his squad ahead of Saturday’s teatime opener at the Stadium of Light, Mowbray will be  urging them to seize the opportunity that is in front of them.

“We can dare to believe,” said the Sunderland boss. “We can dare to think, ‘Why can’t we beat Luton over two games?’ I know we can do that. Luton will think the same, and they’ll be looking at our flaws and deficiencies in the same way that we might look at them and think there are areas where we can hurt them.

“Let’s wait and see who comes out on top over the course of the next two games. I think it’s going to be tight – they’re 14 games unbeaten and we’ve gone nine unbeaten. The Stadium of Light is going to be bouncing and we’ve got to try to create an environment that is uncomfortable for Luton. We’re not playing against a team of shrinking violets – they’re a strong, physical team – but we have to play to our strengths and try to impose our game onto them.”

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Sunderland’s players have pulled off a series of remarkable comebacks this season, so whatever happens on Saturday, Mowbray is confident his players will still be in the game when they head to Luton.

“Whether we’re winning, losing or drawing after Saturday, there’s another 90 minutes and our away record is probably a lot better than our home record,” he said. “So, we certainly shouldn’t fear a draw or even a tight defeat, although we’ll obviously be trying to win the game.”