Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is hopeful that the break between Premier League fixtures has "re-energised" his team.
The Black Cats boss took his team to Dubai for warm-weather training as his team had a week off following their exit from the FA Cup in the third round.
O'Neill told the club's official website: "Hopefully the break will have re-energised the players and got them going. The proof is always in the pudding.
"I have done this before with other teams, sometimes to fantastic effect."
Sunderland are currently 13th in the Premier League and are just six points clear of the relegation zone with 12 games left to play this season.
