Sunderland's recovery starts now - Titus Bramble

Titus Bramble has previously played for local rivals Newcastle United

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble is urging his team to pick themselves up after a turbulent week on Wearside.

It comes after striker Darren Bent's shock move to Aston Villa, and a disappointing 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

But just as Sunderland went on a three game unbeaten run following their 5-1 defeat by the Magpies in October, Bramble believes they can bounce back.

"We've had a difficult week, hopefully we can do the same as last time and pick up seven points," he said.

The Black Cats' first hurdle comes with a trip to 10th-placed Blackpool on Saturday.

The Tangerines have the opportunity to do a league double over Sunderland after beating them 2-0 at the Stadium of Light just four weeks ago - a game that is still fresh in Bramble's memory.

"The Blackpool game was crazy," he said.

"We had 30-something attempts and didn't get a goal and on Saturday we'll have three or four attempts and probably score three or four!

"I've been in the game quite a while and that's the biggest one-sided game I've seen and we've ended up getting beaten which is very surprising."

With Ian Holloway's side showing no fear in playing attacking football, Bramble is expecting to have a lot of work to do on Saturday.

"A lot of teams that come up will put a lot of players behind the ball but Blackpool have said 'no we're going to go out and attack teams' and it's worked in their favour."

It's tough because we have got a lot of injuries and it's draining a lot out of us, but we're all good players

Titus Bramble

It will be down to Bramble and current central defensive partner Anton Ferdinand to help keep the Seasiders at bay.

But the 29-year-old knows the duo's places could be under threat with the return of John Mensah and Michael Turner in the next few weeks.

"Michael's coming back and John Mensah's coming back soon so you know that you've got to be on the top of your game week in week out because you never know when you're going to get back in," Bramble went on.

"We have relied heavily on the strikers to score goals so hopefully the rest of the players in the squad will chip in with a couple of goals here and there.

"Mentally it's tough because we have got a lot of injuries and it's draining a lot out of us, but we're all good players and so we'll have to deal with that."