Jack Colback has said that Gus Poyet has been "brilliant" since taking over at Sunderland, following the team's win over West Bromwich Albion this evening.
The 2-0 victory ensures that the Black Cats, who have been managed by Poyet since October, cannot be relegated this season.
The midfielder, who opened the scoring for Sunderland this evening, told BBC Sport: "After the Tottenham and Everton games everyone wrote us off but I think that helped us. To get the win tonight makes it feel good, I feel relief.
"It's been a long, tough season. Gus Poyet has been brilliant since he came in. He is positive and gives us belief. We had spells where we struggled but we've managed to pull it out of the bag somehow."
Sunderland become just the second club in Premier League history to avoid the drop after being bottom at Christmas.
