Paolo Di Canio has vowed to change Sunderland's mentality after edging closer to Premier League safety with a point against Southampton.
Jason Puncheon came off the bench to cancel out Phil Bardsley's second-half strike in Sunday’s 1-1 draw that boosted both team’s chances of beating the drop.
Sunderland manager Di Canio insisted that it was a good result for his side's survival hopes given the difficult circumstances.
"It's a small, and an important step," said the Italian.
"We have to be honest we didn't deserve to stay up (1-0) because Southampton played better football than us.
"We should have put in more attention and more desire but it's a good step."
Sunderland travel to Tottenham, who are chasing a UEFA Champions League spot, on the final day of the season, but will be without Danny Rose, who is ineligible due to the terms of his loan deal from the north London club.
Rose will join a whole host of big names on the sidelines and Di Canio has admitted that the size of his squad is a concern.
"There is a frustration but to be honest the players have done an amazing job," he said.
"I just hope I don't lose another few players because our destiny is still in our hands."
Di Canio's reign has stuttered in recent weeks and he has hinted that he is planning to make changes for next season.
"Let me be sure that I'm going to keep the club up and then I'm going to change everything, not push all the players out, but keep the right players and bring in the right players," he added.
