WITH Chuba Akpom heading for Holland and key loanees such as Cameron Archer, Aaron Ramsey and Ryan Giles returning to their parent clubs, a lot has understandably been made of the impact of Middlesbrough losing so many stars in the summer.

But Sunderland had to deal with a couple of high profile exits themselves.

When the Black Cats beat Boro at the Stadium of Light in the last Wear-Tees derby, the two goalscorers for the home side were Ross Stewart and Amad Diallo. It wouldn't be hard to make a case for the former being the Championship's best striker when fit, while Manchester United loanee Diallo was unplayable at times last term.

And yet, despite Stewart joining Southampton on deadline day and Diallo returning to Old Trafford, Mowbray recently said that he believes Sunderland are a better side this year.

Performances and results back up such a claim. Sunderland prepare to host Boro brimming with belief after five wins from their last six games and know they'll go into the international break in the top six regardless of today's result.

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So, despite exceeding expectations last season and losing two key men in the summer, how has Mowbray managed to inspire further improvement on Wearside?

"Our team, I just think, are more experienced," said the head coach.

"They understand the demands of what's put on them, the recruitment of players like Bellingham which gives us flexibility to play different ways, Ekwah has grown into the football club, O'Nien, we've secured a place and position for him where he excels, Clarke has grown, Roberts has grown, lots of the footballers because of the games they've played in this division have the confidence and belief now to know they can compete in the league.

"Trai Hume didn't start when I was here. I remember him coming in and asking if he was going to get an opportunity. Now he looks a real high quality footballer. He's not the only one. Ballard was injured when I was here.

"Ross Stewart only played seven games for me so I can't sit here and say he was unbelievable, I only saw him play seven times, so it's not as if I miss him loads because I never had him."

Sunderland finished in the top six last season despite being plagued by a struggle to win games at home. This season, since losing to Ipswich on the opening day at the Stadium of Light, they've won three from four on home turf. But Mowbray isn't getting carried away:

He said: Every game is tough. Down the line we are going to lose games at home, but I'm happy that the team are all contributing with goals, it's something we talked long and hard about."ng to come together for them.”