Source: PA
Bardsley backs Black Cats Euro push
Unlikely goal hero Phil Bardsley is backing Sunderland to maintain their charge for Europe in the most unpredictable of seasons.
The Black Cats' hopes of completing a famous Barclays Premier League double over reigning champions Chelsea were dashed despite the 25-year-old full-back's stunning fourth-minute opener.
Carlo Ancelotti's men hit back in devastating style to run out 4-2 winners at the Stadium of Light and avenge their 3-0 home defeat in November, a result which confirmed the Wearsiders as genuine contenders for a top six finish.
Even after Tuesday night's reverse, they remain firmly in the hunt, and while Bardsley admits the capacity of football to constantly surprise and shock means anything could happen between now and the end of the season - just as it did in spectacular style as the transfer window drew to a close on Monday night - he is confident they can stay there.
Scotland international Bardsley said: "Things happen in football. If you just look at the transfer window on Monday night, that just says everything about football.
"You never know what's going to happen, and that's the enjoyable thing, that's why everyone loves it. I am enjoying my football, enjoying being at this football club. We have a great bunch of lads, a top manager, the coaching staff everybody around the place enjoys being part of each other, and if we show that attitude and togetherness, we have got a hell of a chance to go forward."
