Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has hailed the importance of the club's travelling fans ahead of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Everton.
The Black Cats are looking to reach their first Cup semi-final since 2004 when they face their Premier League rivals at Goodison Park.
"I know sometimes fans don't think they have an influence on the game. Let me tell you, they do," O'Neill told the club's official website.
"It does help, and when you consider that we'll have almost 6,000 with us on Saturday, that's great.
"It will be great for the players to walk out and see that. If they are thinking about wilting at any point, the fans could keep them going."
A Leighton Baines penalty earned Everton a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League earlier this season.
