Source: Telegraph
Sunderland's Craig Gordon vows to win starting place back
The club-record £9 million signing is struggling to win back his place in the Stadium of Light side that has gone to Hungarian international Marton Fulop after overcoming ankle injury. [LNB]"I know I have to be patient as I look to get back into the side," the former Hearts captain said. "The problem is - I'm not a patient person. I'll just continue to work hard and try to force myself in the team. [LNB]"It was good to be back on the bench and involved with the team after being injured for so long, but that soon wears off, you want to play. I've played one game in the FA Cup at Blackburn, done well, and it's just a case of waiting for another chance." [LNB]Gordon has had to make do with a place among manager Ricky Sbragia's substitutes in the Premier League and that seems certain to be the case again on Saturday when Sunderland face Arsenal at the Emirates. [LNB]"It would be nice if both Marton and I could play against Arsenal," he added. "Seriously, I don't think a trip to the Emirates holds as much fear as it used to. Hopefully we can produce a good, solid performance. We should not fear going there. [LNB]"If we can put in a solid defensive display and nick a goal, you never know. We have the attacking players to cause Arsenal problems and Anton Ferdinand has marshaled the defence superbly in recent weeks." [LNB]His lack of front-line action could hamper Gordon's chances of playing for Scotland when the World Cup qualifying campaign resumes next month against Holland and Iceland. [LNB]He joined in a get-together organised by Scotland manager George Burley as plans were put in place for the crunch games. [LNB]"It was good to get away with Scotland last week," Gordon added. "We were at St Andrews, the home of golf, but unfortunately golf course was shut. Typical. [LNB]"I've been to St Andrews two or three times with Scotland although it's not the place we normally stay at. It's more of a place we go when we don't have a game, to do a bit of training. [LNB]"We did that and some planning for our next qualifier - a tough one in Holland next month. Iceland at home follows and it's a crucial double-header as we look to qualify for the World Cup." [LNB]Gordon is also braced for mind-games with Sunderland's Dutch goalkeeper coach, the former Manchester United keeper Raimond van der Gouw. [LNB]"I'm sure there will be a bit of banter with Raimond ahead of the Holland Game," Gordon said. [LNB]"He fancies his home country rather strongly but hopefully we'll give a good account of ourselves. It would be nice to get something from the game - it would also wipe the smile off Raimond's face." [LNB]Meanwhile, Gordon and the rest of his Sunderland colleagues can look forward to a training camp in Seville next week. [LNB]"It went down well in the dressing room last week when it emerged that we were heading to Spain for some warm-weather training," Gordon added. [LNB]"We can work in a comfortable temperature and relax a bit afterwards. It's good for the lads to get together, do some decent work and also have a laugh, it always helps team spirit. [LNB]"We go after the Arsenal game and the aim is to come back ready for the final dozen games." [LNB]
