Dan Ballard says Sunderland's squad have not allowed themselves to get caught up in the furore of their search for a new head coach.

It's now ten games since the Black Cats' hierarchy parted company with Michael Beale, with Mike Dodds tasked with overseeing proceedings until the end of the season. 

The interim boss picked up just his second win in temporary charge with a 1-0 win over West Brom, their fifth clean sheet in six games. The only disappointment, their 5-1 humbling against Blackburn Rovers.

READ MORE: Mike Dodds won't let Sunderland ease up after West Brom win

“I think take that game out of it, we have been very solid and limited very good teams to not very much,” Ballard told BBC Newcastle when reflecting on Sunderland's 5-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers. “We have probably sacrificed a little bit at the top end of the pitch, we haven’t scored as many goals as what we would like. That has been the story of this season I think."

Dodds has reverted to a back five for his last two games against Leeds United and West Brom, which has seen an upturn in Sunderland's form.

“I feel comfortable in that back four, back five," Ballard added. "Whatever system we play the gaffer’s tactics are spot on every week, even against Blackburn that was down to the players. He’s a brilliant coach and sets us up perfectly every week. It’s about us keeping our concentration.

“I think he said it himself, the Blackburn game was a learning curve for him, not to come off the players because it was our fault. Even though it was our fault he still took the blame which shows he’s a good coach.

"We respect him, he’s done really well. He works so hard behind the scenes and it’s nice to be able to deliver some good results for him because he works so hard.”

With three games to go, Dodds will remain in charge of the club until the season draws to a close in the first week of May.

“I think all the lads had huge respect for him before and we maybe have more respect for him now,” added Ballard. “He’s had to take on a lot of work himself.

"He did a lot of work behind the scenes before but now the limelight is on him he’s got that extra pressure. I don’t think it will change too much whatever the decision is going forward, but we respect him and like him as a coach.”

When questioned whether the uncertainty of who will be in the dugout next season has impacted the squad, Ballard said: “It doesn’t really get discussed. There is no point looking into the future. We just have to focus on now, listen to the man in charge at the minute and what will be will be.”