Sunderland home form down to positive approach - Onuoha

Onuoha has made 17 appearances for Sunderland this season

Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha believes a positive approach at the Stadium of Light has been key to their impressive home record this season.

The Black Cats have lost only once at home in all competitions, a 2-1 Carling Cup defeat by West Ham in September.

"It's not about not wanting to lose games, it's about wanting to win them at home," Onuoha told BBC Newcastle.

"In the past we've played for the draw and ended up losing the game, which you deserve for the wrong mentality."

The on-loan Manchester City player has established himself at right-back in Steve Bruce's plans following his move to the Stadium of Light in August.

However injuries to centre-backs Michael Turner, Titus Bramble and Anton Ferdinand saw the 24-year-old pressed into service in the middle alongside Ghana international captain John Mensah for much of Saturday's 0-0 draw at Fulham.

"I was enjoying my time at right-back, but when Steve Bruce asked me to go inside everything felt fine and John is a great player to play alongside," Onuoha added.

"He's been a huge player, as long as he's fit and in the side you'll always see the best of him.

"He's great at rallying players around him and doing his own job to the best of his ability, which is obviously of a very high standard."

Since making his professional debut for parent club Manchester City in August 2004, the former England Under-21 international has made 130 career appearances, scoring six goals.