Simon Mignolet senses that momentum is behind Liverpool as they enter the second half of the season with ambitions in four different competitions.

In beating Sunderland 1-0 on Saturday, the Reds recorded a ninth victory of the Barclays Premier League campaign and closed the gap to the top four to five points.

Aside from the objective to climb as high as possible in the table, Brendan Rodgers' side have silverware in mind for the Capital One Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

Having suffered just a single defeat in the past 13 matches, Mignolet insists there is plenty to look forward to for the close-knit squad in the remainder of 2014-15.

"We've got a very good unit here, a great bunch of lads all working hard for each other," the Belgian goalkeeper explained to the Liverpool Echo.

"We feel that there's a bit of momentum in the team now, but we're not looking back. There are fixtures coming up that are really important to us, not just in the league but also in the cups.

"There are loads of things to aim for - winning the Capital One Cup, the FA Cup and we still want to get in the top four of the Premier League. At Liverpool Football Club, you want to win every game in every competition."

An early strike by the effervescent Lazar Markovic proved enough to secure all three points for Liverpool at the Stadium of Light, where the visitors were in impressive form.

Steven Gerrard was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution, prompting Jordan Henderson to assume captain's duties at the ground that he once called home.

The Reds weathered a spell of pressure from the Black Cats to restore control of the contest, backing Mignolet's faith in the leadership qualities within the group.

"There's the likes of Martin Skrtel, Lucas Leiva, and Jordan Henderson is stepping up as well," the No.22 reflected after the final whistle in the north east.

"There are plenty of people to step up and do that. As a goalkeeper, I have to do it myself, be a leader. It's one of the areas I want to keep progressing."

On the skipper himself, the 'keeper added: "He's such a big presence on and off the pitch. He's always there to help all the young lads and he's been a gentleman to me since I've been here.

"He's like that for everyone. You can't speak too highly of him. We all know what he's done and what he's still doing for this football club."