Mignolet grateful for Black Cats chance

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has thanked the club for allowing him to make a mark in the Premier League. Belgian keeper relishing Premier League opportunitySunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has paid tribute to the club for giving him his opportunity to make a mark in the Premier League. The 22-year-old was signed by boss Steve Bruce from Belgian club Sint-Truiden in the summer as cover for No.1 Craig Gordon. But an injury to the Scottish goalkeeper in pre-season saw Mignolet thrust into the first-team spotlight, making his debut in the opening-day draw with Birmingham. He has been an influential player in the Black Cats' promising start to the campaign, producing a string of fine saves, and the £2million shot-stopper is enjoying his time in the limelight. "I have already played 12 competitive games for Sunderland and I am very happy with that," he told the club's official website. "I have to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to play. Otherwise no-one would know about me. "When you come to a club for five years and they pay money for you, you always have to do well and prove yourself in the first games you play."