Saturday 11 April 2015 17:43, UK
Jermain Defoe has challenged his Sunderland team-mates to build on his stunning Wear-Tyne derby volley to guide the club to Premier League safety.
Defoe ended a six-game run without scoring a score in spectacular fashion on Sunday as his left-footed volley guided Sunderland to a fifth-successive victory over their fierce rivals Newcastle.
Crystal Palace head to the Stadium of Light on Saturday in the reverse fixture to the one which saw the Black Cats claim a rare 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park in November.
And Defoe has urged his side to take confidence from the derby victory and complete the recovery from a difficult spell for the North-East club.
"The manager will always remind you that we need to kick on, forget about the games before and look forward to the next game," he told Sky Sports.
"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.
"The last few weeks have been difficult. Looking back to the West Ham game, I thought we played really well and maybe deserved a point, especially when you look at the goal they scored.
"But these things happen. We just haven't had the bit of luck we needed.
"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.
"Hopefully we go into the game confident and we can really put on another good show at home.
"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."
Having issued a rallying call to his Sunderland squad, Defoe could not help but bask in the glory of Sunday's breathtaking derby winner.
"I always believed that some things are meant to be," he added. "The way the goal came about... the system we were playing with me on the right, I hit it with my left foot and the way it happened.
"After the game, I sat down and thought that was meant to happen. We were meant to get the three points today and I was meant to score a goal like that.
"It was such a special moment. I think there was a bit of divine intervention there. The feeling I got, I was all emotional. I celebrated with the boys but when I was on the floor, something came over me. I'll never forget that feeling.
"If I could bottle that up, I would, it was just something special.
"The goal announced me to Sunderland fans. I love big games where you know you've got to perform and win. Not only did we desperately need the three points but it was a derby game.
"All I wanted to do was make an impact and make sure we came off the pitch with three points.
"I want my team-mates to look at me and think when it's a big game, we can count on Jermain, this is what he does. He stands up, can be counted and doesn't fold under pressure."
Watch the extended interview with Jermain Defoe on Soccer Saturday. Coverage starts at 12pm on Sky Sports 5 and Sky Sports News HQ.
