Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has suggested that beating Birmingham City in the Capital One Cup would hand his side a big boost for when they return to their Premier League duties.
The Black Cats meet the Championship club in the second round of the competition on Wednesday, and Poyet is confident that a victory would help morale heading into Saturday's clash with Queens Park Rangers.
"We've drawn two games so I want to win one," the Uruguayan told reporters. "I want to go to QPR with a winning mentality.
"Every Cup tie is like an individual final. It brings a good feeling to the team because it's a small celebration every time you get through."
Sunderland lost out to Manchester City in the final of the Capital One Cup last season.
