• FA Cup

Disaster around the corner for Sunderland - O'Neill

ESPN staff
February 8, 2012
Martin O'Neill has seen Sunderland climb from third bottom to eighth during two months in charge © PA Photos
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Martin O'Neill has warned Sunderland fans that "disaster is around the corner" after an impressive start to life as Black Cats manager.

Since replacing Steve Bruce at the Stadium of Light, O'Neill has transformed Sunderland's season, turning his side from relegation candidates into European hopefuls.

Ahead of their FA Cup fourth round replay against local rivals Middlesbrough on Wednesday and a visit from Arsenal in the Premier League at the weekend, O'Neill believes it is inevitable that his side will suffer a reversal in fortunes.

"Do I think I've cracked it? Absolutely not," O'Neill said. "We can get beaten at Middlesbrough and against Arsenal and if we did, our next game in a fortnight's time against West Brom we could lose that. I honestly don't believe we would lose through a lack of self-belief though."

O'Neill has played down Sunderland's chances of winning the FA Cup, urging fans not to set their expectations too high this season.

"Disaster is around the corner," O'Neill said. "It is, it's lurking, it's incredibly negative. Am I thinking about the bad times ahead? Jesus, no. I've got to remain positive, I'm going to fight this negativity!

"I've had some poor runs in my time. I know how difficult it is for some. I'm not building up for the inevitable.When the inevitable comes and we're losing a few games and players are losing a little bit of confidence because of a loss or two; that will be a genuine test."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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