REG'S CATS CAN'T GET THEIR CLAWS INTO SEAGULLS

REGIS LE BRIS will continue to “ride the wave" after Sunderland's impressive season continued with a battling draw at Brighton.

- BY EDWARD ELLIOT

The high-flying Black Cats shrugged off the loss of a host of first-team regulars to the Africa Cup of Nations to build on last weekend's Wear-Tyne derby win over Newcastle.

A largely uneventful stalemate at the Amex Stadium moved Sunderland on to 27 points from 17 games ahead of a memorable 2025 concluding at home to Leeds next weekend.

Asked about the club's progress, head coach Le Bris, who masterminded promotion through the Championship playoffs, said: “It's tough and it's always step by step.

“We are well connected with Sunderland, with the club, with the project, and so far it's really positive, so just ride the wave.”