Michael Appleton fires a warning to Sunderland ahead of Lincoln City visit

The Imps have enjoyed a fine festive period, beating promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town and Peterborough United on their home turf to move up the League One table.

And Appleton - whose first game in charge of Lincoln was a 2-0 win over the Black Cats earlier this season – believes that sees his side well-equipped for their trip to Wearside today.

Sunderland haven’t won at home since November 2, and the Lincoln boss is hopeful that his side can continue to keep their foot on the gas and cause Phil Parkinson’s side some problems.

“These back-to-back wins will certainly give the players belief,” said Appleton, speaking to Lincolnshire Live.

“But, as boring as this sounds, we’ve got another big game and I was already speaking to players about Sunderland in the dressing room.

“I want to finish the week off on a high. We want to go there and be really competitive.

“We’ve got to keep our foot on the gas and go there expecting to give them a really good game.”

*Olivier Giroud will only leave Chelsea this month "for the benefit of the club", Jody Morris has insisted.

Assistant coach Morris hailed France striker Giroud's professionalism amid playing second-fiddle behind in-form England hitman Tammy Abraham at Chelsea this term.

Giroud has already admitted he may have to seek a move for more regular football, but Morris suggested Chelsea can ill afford to lose players without suitable replacements.

When asked if Chelsea could understand Giroud seeking a Stamford Bridge exit, Morris said: "Well, he still plays for Chelsea.

"It's got to be for the benefit of the club. We can't just let people walk out the door if that means we're left short somewhere.

"Yes, you have to look at the individual as well, but I've got to say Giroud's been nothing but a class act and a top professional since he's been here.

“So I really don't envisage any issues from him on that front."