Sunderland stand-in Mike Dodds hails 'first class' Black Cats players ahead of Doncaster clash

Interim manager Mike Dodds has told his Sunderland players to 'embrace’ today's game against Doncaster.

A record attendance is expected at the Stadium of Light as England international Jermain Defoe makes his highly-anticipated return to action on Wearside.

The Bradley Lowery Foundation will receive a £1 donation from every matchday ticket sold as the Black Cats look to return to winning ways after last week’s 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Bolton.

Dodds has prepared the squad all week following Lee Johnson’s dismissal and will be in the dugout for the Doncaster game, with former boss Roy Keane the bookies’ favourite to take charge.

He has hailed the attitude of the players despite a turbulent week and urged them to relish the pressure that comes with playing in front of a larger-than-usual home crowd.

Speaking ahead of the Doncaster game, Dodds said: "The players have been absolutely first class.

“They have ensured that a situation that isn’t particularly easy to come into has been very easy and, layered on top of that, the staff have been excellent.”

“We’ve had a really good week in terms of our preparation and everything throughout has been to give the players the best possible platform to be successful in the game, so I hope we’ve been able to do that.

“The players know what type of occasion this is going to be - with the biggest attendance of the season expected - but that pressure is a privilege.

“As a collective, we have to embrace that we represent such a magnificent football club and not shy away from it.”