The on-loan Spurs right-back had a solid debut against Wigan but has no intention of resting on his laurels.

"My debut went OK, but it was not ideal, getting a draw," he said. "You take the point and move on to the next game.

"There are quality players here, as there were at Spurs, but they have had a bad run of results and you just have to pick yourself up."

The 25-year-old said knowing home fans at the Stadium of Light were clearly unhappy at half-time and full-time in Saturday's game will not deter him – instead he will use it as motivation.

"Getting booed does not give me any problems," he shrugged.

"They pay their money and they are entitled to a performance. You just have to show them what you can do.

"It spurs me on because I want to show people what I can do and that is what we all did in the second half.

"It is a bit of confidence we need at the moment, but we have the talent.

"Maybe heads are down a wee bit, but we can build on the second half and take it from there.

"No one wants to be drawn into a relegation battle, but the league is so tight at the bottom.

"I relish the challenge and I will be doing my best to get us out of trouble.

"It is such a close league. Win our next two or three and we are right back up there."