Alex Neil rejects 'seven cup finals' analogy but insists Sunderland understand what is at stake

Alex Neil is not keen on the 'seven cup finals' analogy to describe Sunderland's run-in - but insists he and his players fully understand the importance of each game between now and the end of the season. The Black Cats take on Gillingham at the Stadium of Light tomorrow in the first of seven games which will determine whether the Wearsiders secure a top six finish and a place in the play-offs.

They are one of seven teams with a realistic chance of booking one of the four play-off spots, and with that kind of fierce competition there is little margin for error. Neil says the 'cup final' cliche is inaccurate because these final seven games are not one-off events, however he understands the logic.

"It's not a one-off," he said of tomorrow's game. "After this, we've got six more and then, potentially, if we make the play-offs you could have another three after that.

"The simple fact is that the lads understand the importance of the games. The one thing that doesn't get lost on you when you work for Sunderland is the importance of every match.

"I've already been reminded of it about six times today! It's not something you can avoid at any point.

"I get it, I understand, and we'll do our utmost to win the game."

Seventh-placed Sunderland go into the game against Gillingham on the back of a six-match unbeaten run, while the Gills are not yet safe from relegation despite dragging themselves out of the bottom four since new boss Neil Harris took charge at the end of January. Neil said: "I think there has been a fundamental change in them since Neil Harris came in.

"I've probably watched about five of their games, either on video or live, and they are a difficult team to beat. I've got an expectation of how I think they'll