Sunderland's Craig Gordon vows to battle for No 1 jersey

09 March 2009 12:14
The Scotland international has found himself kicking his heels on the Sunderland substitutes' bench since recovering from injury due to Fulop's impressive form for the Premier League club. [LNB]It is a situation that has put his Scotland place in jeopardy and the former Hearts skipper has insisted he is in no mood to settle for a peripheral role at the Stadium of Light.[LNB] Related ArticlesSbragia slams 'unhelpful' Burley[LNB]Craig Gordon on a mission to be Sunderland's number one goalkeeper[LNB]Craig Gordon faces fight for regular Sunderland place[LNB]Sunderland's Marton Fulop has point to prove to Tottenham[LNB]Sunderland's Craig Gordon vows to win starting place back[LNB]Scotland manager George Burley keeps fingers crossed for midfield trio[LNB]'I am in direct competition with Marton Fulop for the goalkeeper's jersey at Sunderland but I don't want to see him make mistakes,' Gordon said.[LNB]'It's a funny one for me. I'm desperate to get back in the team but at the same time I want to support him. It's about the team and all us keepers need to work together.[LNB]'You don't want to see any of your team-mates make mistakes but at the same time you have to look after yourself, you have to be selfish.[LNB]'There's only one place in the team for a keeper and we all want it. My stance has not changed: I'm desperate to get back in the side and I'm trying my hardest to do so.'[LNB]Gordon has played just one Premier League game since October when he was sidelined with an ankle problem.[LNB]The change of manager at the Wearside club has not helped his situation because it has ensured their record £9-million signing is no longer the first choice since Ricky Sbragia succeeded Roy Keane.[LNB]Sbragia has kept faith with Fulop despite the fact the Hungarian international dropped a clanger in the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool last week that effectively put the contest beyond Sunderland.[LNB]Despite the intense competition for places, Gordon has pledged to support Fulop.[LNB]'I didn't see the mistake at Liverpool, I was in the dug-out and my view was blocked, but I had a good chat with him about it afterwards,' Gordon added. [LNB]'He was disappointed as you would expect, I just told him not to be too down. The bottom line is, making mistakes happens is a keeper's life and it's how you respond.[LNB]'It was the first big error he has made and it was difficult for him afterwards but I'm sure he will bounce back.' [LNB]Gordon acknowledged that Sunderland are still embroiled in a relegation battle despite decent form.[LNB]'The Premier League is strange this season - you think you are getting away from danger and then all of a sudden you get dragged back in,' he added.[LNB]'It's almost guaranteed that the race to avoid the drop will go right until the end of the season, to the last day. The teams involved just keep beating each other.'[LNB] 

Source: Telegraph