Sunderland FC

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• Founded:1879
• Manager:Steve Bruce

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Gordon eyes Boro response

22 Apr 2008 - 11:45:26

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Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon believes Saturday's derby against Middlesbrough is one of the biggest games in the club's recent history.

The Black Cats were dragged closer to the relegation dogfight following the 2-0 Tyne-Wear derby defeat at Newcastle United.

Gordon has admitted the mood in the dressing room at St James' Park was sombre but has talked up the need for three points when they face Boro in a second local derby in quick succession.

Victory over the Teessiders at the Stadium of Light would virtually guarantee Premier League survival for Roy Keane's side.

"We have a big, big game against Middlesbrough coming up and that's the most important thing now," he told the club's official website.

"We're still not safe. The Birmingham result (losing 5-1 to Aston Villa) went our way and that meant we were no worse off, but that will not mean anything unless we use it to our advantage against Boro.

"It has become a massive game for us and Boro and we have to be ready for it. If we get three points we are pretty much safe and that's a massive incentive.

"The manager was talking about the importance of the Boro game as soon as he came into the dressing room after the defeat at Newcastle.

"It's one of the biggest games in the club's recent history. There is so much riding on it, a massive prize for the winners."