The Black Cats boss is hoping his players can go all the way in securing promotion from League One and playing at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
Jack Ross has claimed that Sunderland could be on the cusp of a “special season” as they remain in contention for promotion from League One as well as in the running for the Checkatrade Trophy, the latter being outlined as a potential “reward” for the club’s fans.
At present, the Black Cats sit third in the table, three points behind second-placed Luton Town and four behind table-topping Portsmouth, although they do have a game in hand on the teams above them.
Although they have drawn their last three league games, Sunderland were handed a big psychological boost on Tuesday night as they defeated Manchester City Under-21s 2-0 at the Stadium of Light to book their place in the semi-finals of the cup.
With no game this weekend due to FA Cup action, the Wearsiders will rest up and, on Monday, will set about planning their route for promotion as well as a potential trip to Wembley Stadium, with the draw for the semi-finals taking place on Friday, January 25.
Speaking to the Chronicle Live, Ross said: “We are third in the league, we’re right in amongst it to be promoted, and we are one game away from a cup final. It’s not bad. They should be excited about that. We could have a special season.
“A cup final at Wembley is a big one for any player at any stage of their career. Part of it is that this could be a reward for the fans because they have had difficult times in recent seasons.”
Bury, Portsmouth and Bristol Rovers are the other three sides left in the competition, which means all the invited sides from the Premier League and Championship have been eliminated.
Sunderland’s next game is on Saturday, February 2 at home to AFC Wimbledon.
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