Black Cats tipped to finish 'top half - but not top four'

Daniel Sturridge believes Sunderland's strong start to life back in the Premier League has earned them the right to think bigger than simple survival, but the former Liverpool striker insists a European push remains unlikely this season.

- by James Copley

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sturridge said the natural progression for a promoted side is to move from consolidation to ambition once performances and confidence begin to build.

He said: "Look, if the performances and the confidence within the camp is building, when you're promoted, the first thing is survival.

"You're in survival mode, you're in secret-screen mode, whatever it may be.