Sunderland boss Jack Ross believes the Black Cats have players who can thrive off the atmosphere generated by the Portsmouth fans at Fratton Park in the playoff semi-final second leg.
The Black Cats take the trip to Fratton Park on Thursday evening, as they aim to ensure their safe passage into the playoff final in League One.
Despite their slender 1-0 lead over Pompey from the first leg, Sunderland will have to work their socks off in the away leg to ensure their progression to Wembley for the final.
And ahead of what could prove to be a challenging task at Fratton Park, Ross firmly believes Sunderland have players who are more than capable of thriving off the atmosphere on Thursday.
The Sunderland boss admitted it was a terrific atmosphere when his team played at Fratton Park earlier in the season, and insists they know what to expect from the fans, while also saying the players can handle the environment.
“It’s a terrific place to go and play, we had that earlier in the season in December when Portsmouth were top of the table and the atmosphere [at Fratton Park] was brilliant”, Ross said in a press conference.
“We know what it’s going to be like [on Thursday], but I’ve got a lot of players that have played in that environment and a lot of players that will thrive on it, so a lot to look forward to [during the second leg].”
Sunderland suffered a 3-1 defeat during the corresponding fixture against Portsmouth at Fratton Park in December during the regular season in League One.
