Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley knows the clash with QPR is vital for the club

Sunderland full-back Phil Bardsley knows the clash with QPR is vital for the club

The Black Cats find themselves six points above the drop zone ahead of Saturday's visit to basement boys QPR.

Sunderland have failed to win in their last five Premier League games and there are fears they could be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

Former Manchester United man Bardsley admits it is vital they stay up this season and it is imperative they get back to winning ways as soon as possible.

"We know where we are in the league and in terms of Saturday it is a massive game for us away at QPR and hopefully we can go into it confident and hopefully we can get a result," Bardsley told Sky Sports.

"That's the most vital part of our season, making sure we are in the league [next season].

"We believe we have the players to get into the top ten, but we have got to start winning games and that is vital for us."