Source: Northern_Echo
Cana in battle to get back
SUNDERLAND captain Lorik Cana faces a battle to regain his place in Steve Bruce's starting XI before the end of the season.[LNB] With only five games of the Wearsiders' Premier League campaign remaining, the Albania international is struggling to recover from a groin injury that forced his late withdrawal from the squad that defeated Spurs on Saturday.[LNB] But even a fully-fit Cana has a fight on his hands if he is to oust David Meyler and Jordan Henderson, two of Sunderland's outstanding performers in the 3-1 win.[LNB] The growing assuredness of Meyler and Henderson means that Cana, whose impressive partnership with Lee Cattermole was one of the main reasons behind Sunderland's solid start to the season, can no longer take his place for granted.[LNB] After being named among the substitutes on Saturday, Cana aggravated a groin problem in the warm-up.[LNB] Suggestions that Cana had fallen out with Bruce after being informed that he hadn't been included in the starting line-up were firmly refuted, with the manager insisting that he won't select his inspirational skipper until he given a clean bill of health.[LNB] Lorik felt sore in the week and he felt it again in the warm-up. I won't risk anyone at this stage of the season.[LNB] We'll see how he is, the manager confirmed.[LNB] Speaking before Saturday's victory, the captain admitted that his changeable fortunes this season had matched those of the team.[LNB] Yes. It has been great but it has not always been easy.[LNB] You have to expect that with a team like Sunderland things are not always going to be alright we're going to have some tough moments because we only just stayed up the year before.[LNB] But it's a great experience, I have enjoyed every game.[LNB] Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose but the passion and spirit of the football in England is absolutely fantastic,[LNB] noted the former Marseilles midfielder who aims to improve upon his disciplinary record, that's so far earned him ten yellow and one red card, next season.[LNB] It is a part of my game - sometimes I am booked. I have tried to change some small things and I think it will get better next season.[LNB] When you know the referees a bit you can talk to them and you can change little things.[LNB] I think I have a better relationship with referees now and can take that forward.[LNB] But if a player plays 33-34 games in a season he will pick up bookings.[LNB]
