Source: Eurosport
Davenport out to avoid double defeat
On-loan Sunderland Calum Davenport will look to avoid an unwanted double when he plays for the Black Cats at West Brom on Saturday.For the lanky centre-back has already been on the losing side at The Hawthorns this season - for West Ham.The Baggies, rooted to the bottom of the Premier League, beat the Hammers 3-2 in September, one of only six wins for Tony Mowbray's men this season.Davenport, 26, moved to Sunderland on loan in January and will find himself back at West Brom this weekend."I was impressed with West Brom when I played there earlier in the season," he said."They passed it around well and looked composed. We need to stay disciplined and solid and then pick them off at the right times."West Brom might be bottom, but on their day they can give anyone a good game."After joining Sunderland in January, Davenport had to wait nearly two months to make his first appearance for the Black Cats.But he has impressed since and made his first start against Manchester United earlier in the month."I had to be patient and I just put my head down and worked hard," said the former Tottenham defender."I'm pleased to get my chance and I'm delighted with the way it has gone. There was a good feeling after our win over Hull last weekend. I'm loving my time here."Davenport's move to Sunderland has seen him link up with his former Hammers team-mate Anton Ferdinand.He added: "I've played in the same back four as Anton loads of times so having him there has helped. We just need to stick in there and battle and we'll be all right."Ricky Sbragia, Sunderland's manager, has been impressed with Davenport since his arrival on Wearside, and is considering a permanent move for him after the loan deal expires in June."Calum gives us height in both boxes and that's vital in the Premier League nowadays," said the Sunderland boss."When he wasn't in the team he just got on with it, there were no complaints and he has taken his chance in the last few weeks."Sunderland go to West Brom knowing a win would all but secure their Premier League survival - but Sbragia feels it is a tough ask."We need to start well," said the manager. "If we get our noses in front their heads could drop. As always, the first goal will be important. It's about points not performances now."Sbragia enjoyed a 4-0 win over the Baggies in his first home game as Sunderland manager, back in December."It was a dream start and a great result - but any win would do tomorrow," he said.[LNB]
