Source: Eurosport
Ricky relishing Richardson return
Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is looking forward to having midfielder Kieran Richardson back for Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham.Richardson has missed the Black Cats' last two games - defeats against Wigan and Manchester City - through suspension and returns at an important time with Sunderland now sitting just three points above the relegation zone.The Wearsiders have looked short in central midfield in his absence and Sbragia is hoping the former Manchester United man can inspire the team to a vital win at Upton Park."Kieran's one of the top players at the club and we've missed him," said Sbragia. "He's been excellent for us this season, he's a key player. He gives us energy, he's got great mobility and he can get us a goal."He's trained really well over the last couple of weeks and I've no doubts about his fitness. It's not a case of he's been suspended and had a holiday, he's worked hard and he's looking forward to the game."Sunderland have not won in five Premier League outings, a run that has seen them drop perilously close to the bottom three.And with Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea still to visit the Stadium of Light, Sbragia knows their away form must improve if they are to escape."We cannot afford to lose the game," said the Scot. "West Ham are a good team and they've a good home record, but we have to be more adventurous, we have to try to cause them problems."It is a hugely important game - all of our remaining games will be - and I have to try to pick a team that will get us something."The longer we go without a win, the more nervous people will get. It's going to be tight, with the teams at the bottom beating each other, and I'd be happy if we get out of it with a game to spare."We don't want to be going into our last game of the season, against Chelsea, knowing that we need something."Sbragia is considering making changes to his side for the game in London.Craig Gordon could get his first Premier League start since November after impressing for Scotland in midweek while on-loan French striker Djibril Cisse is pushing for a recall after dropping to the bench at Manchester City."I've been thinking about freshening it up," said Sbragia. "What I think is the best team to get us something from the game might not be the best XI on paper, and I will have to make a decision with the goalkeepers."Sbragia will make a late fitness check on George McCartney, Sunderland's former West Ham defender, who injured his calf playing for Northern Ireland on Wednesday."You just pray they come back okay, it's not ideal," said Sbragia.[LNB]
