Lee Cattermole insists that Sunderland are "strong enough" to survive and expects teammate Jeremain Lens to play a big part.
The Dutchman scored in Sunderland's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, and, speaking to Chronicle Live, Cattermole said he thinks we will "see more of the new signings who came in last summer" as we head into the second half of the season.
Following the cup exit, the former Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic midfielder singled out Lens for praise, saying he "came in today and did a great job."
Lens has struggled to settle at the North East club, but Cattermole feels he can still prove to be a key player as Sunderland head into a "big second half of the season".
"He is probably someone we haven't seen enough of," the vice-captain added, challenging him to have more of an influence.
Lens back in the fold?
It had looked as though Lens could be leaving the Stadium of Light following a spat with manager Sam Allardyce, but the winger could stay on Wearside if he gets an extended run in the side.
"He was much more involved [against Arsenal], that's for sure," Cattermole said. This seems to be down to Lens playing a number 10 role in the game, the midfielder saying that it "seemed to suit" his teammate more.
Are Sunderland strong enough for survival?
Despite the club's league position, their vice-captain thinks the squad is "strong enough" without new signings coming in, bemoaning their current injury problems.
"We have got Younes [Kaboul] out," he said, as well as Sebastian Larsson, with both key players in the team's "starting XI."
Therefore, Cattermole believes, for Sunderland to improve, "it is more about getting everybody fit than seeing new faces come in."
Regarding new signings, Dame N'Doye is close to signing on loan until the end of the season, but will not arrive in time for Sunderland's trip to Swansea City on Wednesday night.
The former Hull City striker scored five goals in 15 games last season, but could not help Steve Bruce's team avoid relegation.