DEAN WHITEHEAD believes Sunderland will prove their Premiership class by rising above the relegation battle. The Black Cats are one of a handful of clubs scrapping to survive in the lower reaches of the table. But Whitehead (right) says one team always finds some momentum and climbs out of danger in the second half of the season – and Sunderland must make sure they are that team. “When you look back at previous seasons, one of the teams fighting relegation nearly always seems to have a strong second-half to the season and pull clear of danger,” said the skipper. “And one team from lower mid-table often sinks like a stone and ends up struggling. “The most important thing for us is to make sure that we are the team that emerges from the pack and starts climbing away from the bottom three. “If we can get some momentum behind us and string two or three results together, we can put some distance between ourselves and the relegation zone.” With only Derby cut adrift at the bottom, Sunderland are fighting for survival alongside the likes of Birmingham, Fulham, Reading, Bolton and yesterday’s opponents Wigan. Even Middlesbrough and Newcastle are not out of danger, each hovering within uneasy distance of the drop zone. With 12 more games left, Sunderland still have time to get to safety and avoid a nail-biting finish to the season. Whitehead said: “Every game is a must-win game for us now. It’s going to be a scrap and it probably won’t be very pretty, but it’s a battle we have to win. “It looks like it will go right to the wire so every game – and even every goal – is important. “Last season Sheffield United were relegated on goal difference and by a single goal, so that shows how fine the dividing line can be.” | 
