IT COULD be that Marton Fulop’s flying, right handedsave in the fourth minute of injury- time keeps Sunderland in the Premier League, but the Hungarian goalkeeper is not prepared to think like that just yet.

His stunning stop from Gary Cahill’s late, late header at Bolton means Sunderland are five points clear of the relegation zone, meaning Newcastle United, Middlesbrough or West Brom must win two of their remaining fixtures to drag the men from Wearside into the bottom three.

The Sunderland dressing room are well aware of the importance of events at St James’ Park this evening when Newcastle meet Boro.

“I have not decided yet but I probably will watch on Monday,”

said Fulop. “I am sure I will be looking for the result.

The point for us means the Monday game is not as crucial as it might have been.

“We have to be happy. We have shown that we have been able to bounce back as a team.

I got some praise in the dressing room and that was a nice feeling. It wasn’t just me, everyone worked their socks off.

“But that is what I am there for, to back up the team. I am really glad it helped us get a point. We were well prepared for what they threw at us.

“But we will not be celebrating until we are mathematically safe. We are getting there slowly. The defeat for Hull to Stoke was also good for us. But we don’t look at the other results we just look after ourselves.”

With Sunderland not due to play again until their trip to Portsmouth a week tonight, Fulop could be playing for a team either mathematically safe or one sitting in the bottom three by the time he plays again.

Either way, Fulop insists that the improved display and commitment on show at the Reebok Stadium was an indication of just how determined the Black Cats are to stay in the top tier.

And with American Ellis Short ready to invest further in the squad if they stay up, the former Tottenham shot-stopper senses that the next couple of weeks are pivotal.

“It is really important to stay up, of course it is massive,” said Fulop. “Financially this is the league to be in. If the club was to get relegated it would lose so much income. It is vital for every club to stay up if you want to build for the future.

And the news we heard before the game is going to be a big step forward for this club.

“If we get a point or a win at Portsmouth we will be there.

Everyone is a lot happier in the dressing room. After the Everton defeat it was like a cemetery but now it is a much happier place.

“We could actually be safe before we play again. Or we could be in the relegation zone but we feel a lot better. Hopefully we won’t be in the bottom three by then but I am pretty sure we will know where we stand.

“I suppose we could have made ourselves safe with a win at Bolton, but we have to keep it in perspective and the main thing is we got something. It is a good bonus to go into the last two in this position.”