Carlos Cuellar says Sunderland must focus and keep working as they look to secure a first away win of the season this weekend.

The Black Cats suffered a home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa last time out with Cuellar emerging on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline against his former club.

The defender believes his side didn't deserve to lose the game and says confidence in the camp remains solid.

"It is always disappointing to lose a game, and especially one against your former club, but I think we played better and didn't deserve to lose," he said.

"Sometimes the ball just didn't want to go in but we have to keep working. I thought we were comfortable and in control but Villa got their goal."

He added: "Now is when character comes out and I think we have big characters inside the dressing room.

"We are going to be alright. We can't put our heads down. It is a long season, this is just the beginning and we have to keep working.

"Confidence isn't going down. We know who we are whether we win or lose."