Le Bris 'excited, not scared' of Leeds challenge

Regis Le Bris hopes the big-match occasion will bring the best out of his Sunderland side when they visit Leeds on Monday (20:00 GMT).

The Black Cats salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against the table-toppers at home in October but will face a different test at Elland Road, where Leeds have won 12 of their past 13 games and only conceded three goals.

"They are a very good team," Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle. "It will be an exciting challenge, but it's still [just] three points to play for.

"For us it's a really good challenge to test our limits. I think we can improve our level against the best opponents.

"I'd agree that Leeds are probably the best team we have faced this season. They have many vertical threats and are very impressive when they have space to exploit.

"We just have to focus on our game. We know they are a threat, we know they can be dangerous, if we are naïve we can be punished, but at the same time if we don't play our best football it doesn't mean anything.

"It's more of a positive challenge than something to be scared of. We have played well against the best teams so far.

"It's a question of pragmatism because we can't afford to let them play, but if we don't damage their defence we'll have many regrets at the end."

Meanwhile, Romaine Mundle "is an option" for Monday, according to Le Bris.

He returned to training last week and has missed Sunderland's past 17 games after scoring four in his first 15 appearances this season, coming off against Coventry on 9 November after assisting both goals.

"He's an option for us," Le Bris said. "We have many players available so the selection will be tough, but he should be available."