Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar claims confidence is high among the Sunderland squad ahead

Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar claims confidence is high among the Sunderland squad ahead of their weekend clash with Liverpool.

Carlos Cuellar hopes to make his home debut against Sunderland

Cuellar, 31, has featured in both of Sunderland's away trips this season, but is yet to play a home game after the match with Reading was postponed due to rain.

"We are looking forward to our first league game at the Stadium of Light, and I am hoping I will finally make my home debut but it's a massive game against Liverpool, and everyone wants to play in games like this," Cuellar told the Sunderland Echo.

"We've had a solid start and the team looks very good. We are feeling confident and very strong and this is a very good time to play Liverpool because they have not made the best of starts."

Sunderland have so far taken two points from their opening two games, securing impressive draws at Emirates Stadium and the Liberty Stadium, and Cuellar believes if the side maintain their level of performance, a third good result is achievable.

"If we play the way we have done in our two away games, I am sure we will get a decent result at home," Cuellar said.

The former Aston Villa and Rangers centre-back has also pledged his support for former team-mate Stewart Downing, after the winger endured a difficult first season on Merseyside, with Cuellar believing he still possesses a potent threat.

"Sometimes football can be hard, even when you are one of the top players," he said. "Stewie has already proved his quality and played for the national team. He might not have produced his best form for Liverpool yet, but we know he is a top player and he is always a threat."