Jermain Defoe has demanded that his Sunderland teammates build on their 1-0 derby win over Newcastle United and guide the club to safety.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker scored the game's only goal in spectacular fashion, and is now calling on the rest of the squad to step up and pick up all three points against Crystal Palace this weekend.

"The manager will always remind you that we need to kick on, forget about the games before and look forward to the next game," the 32-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"It's important for me and the rest of the lads to keep working hard now, we've got some massive games coming up - all cup finals - so it's important to kick on and get as many points as possible.

"Beating Newcastle was big for everyone because the spirit in the dressing room is different; the lads are buzzing around training and everyone is really looking forward to the game. It's important we go into the next game confident and get three points because if we don't do that, the victory over Newcastle counts for nothing."

Defoe's strike ended his six-game goalless run and keeps the Black Cats three points clear of Queens Park Rangers, who sit in the relegation zone.