Sunderland FC

• Founded:1879
• Manager:Steve Bruce

• Ground:Stadium Of Light
• Capacity:49000

Next Game: 18-Feb-2012 17:15

Sunderland

VS

Arsenal

Full match preview

Last Game: 11-Feb-2012 15:00

Sunderland1

VS

Arsenal2

Full match report

Competing in:

• Premier League
• League Cup
• FA CUP

Fulop solves City keeper crisis

28 Apr 2010 - 07:27:04

Click To Enlarge

Manchester City have solved their goalkeeping crisis after turning to Sunderland's Marton Fulop on an emergency loan deal for the remaining three games of the season.

City lost number one keeper Shay Given to a season-ending shoulder injury at Arsenal last weekend, while regular back-up Stuart Taylor is also sidelined with a knee problem.

With untried Faroe Islands international Gunnar Nielsen the only recognised custodian at Eastlands, City launched a bid to recall Joe Hart from his season-long spell at Birmingham City.

However, after the Premier League refused to sanction the recall, City swooped for Fulop.

The Hungarian is currently third choice at Sunderland but has made 14 appearances this season.

"The club, with the backing of the Premier League, have been in contact throughout the day with both Birmingham City and Sunderland with regards to bringing either Joe Hart or Marton Fulop to the team on an emergency basis," read a statement on City's official website.

"Agreement has not been reached with Birmingham, but we anticipate that Marton Fulop will join us in training (on Wednesday) and we sincerely thank him and Sunderland AFC for their help in this situation."

The Premier League is believed to have blocked the potential return of Hart to Eastlands on the grounds of fair play as City are currently involved in a race for fourth place and Champions League qualification with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Hart was recently selected in the Professional Footballer's Association Premier League team of the year and could be part of England's World Cup squad.