Sunderland first-team coach Charlie Oatway believes that there were positive to come from his side's defeat to Liverpool, but is adamant that they have to start picking up points against the teams around them.

The Black Cats are three points adrift of safety in the Premier League following their 2-1 defeat to the Reds and face a crunch relegation clash against West Ham United on Monday.

Oatway told the club's official website: "We came out with a little bit of realisation that we can compete against that.

"Saying that, we knew it already with some of the results we've had here but now it's more about getting the results against the teams which are in and around us.

"Confidence is a thing that you can only take for yourself so I don't really know exactly how people are feeling, from what I've seen, nothing shows me that there is anyone lacking in confidence, not by any stretch of the imagination."

Sunderland are 18th in the Premier League after playing 29 games this season.