Source: Northern_Echo
We know all about derby day, pledges Larsson
SEB LARSSON has reassured Sunderland's supporters that Steve Bruce's summer signings know all about the importance of a date with Newcastle United.[LNB] With the new Premier League under way after last weekend's 1-1 draw at Liverpool, the Black Cats squad are gearing up for this Saturday's Wear-Tyne contest.[LNB] A fixture that normally comes with a health warning anyway has the added spice this time of being only the second game of the new season.[LNB] It will be Sunderland's Stadium of Light bow and arrives on the back of solid draws for both against Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.[LNB] The timing means the derby comes when Sunderland's new-look squad - there have been nine new signings this summer - have not even had the opportunity to play in front of a Wearside crowd together.[LNB] But Larsson, among those summer recruits likely to start against the Magpies, insists the more established members of the squad have made it clear what a visit from their neighbours means.[LNB] "I have never been involved in a North-East derby but I have heard an awful lot about them," said Larsson. "What it is meant to be is something special. I played in the Birmingham derby a few times and I am looking forward to seeing what this will be like.[LNB] "I have watched the games between Sunderland and Newcastle on the telly, but you can never really get the atmosphere. You have to be there. I can understand what it means to the people up here and we will be doing our best, I can assure the fans of that.[LNB] "All of the lads that have played in one before have already let us know, they were talking about it in the summer because it is such an early fixture. Hopefully it will be something special."[LNB] Larsson experienced the highs and lows of Birmingham's passion-fuelled meetings with Aston Villa. He scored in the Blues' Carling Cup victory over the Villans in December, but endured defeat on more than one occasion during his time at St Andrew's.[LNB] The 26-year-old, who never played in a North London derby during his time at Arsenal, was encouraged by the way Sunderland came from behind to claim a point at Anfield.[LNB] Now he wants to ensure the season is given the perfect start at the Stadium of Light. He said: "We believe in ourselves but we can't talk ourselves up too much after just one game.[LNB] "We can be proud of the team after day one now we have to make sure the fans are proud of the team after Saturday and beyond."[LNB] Larsson found himself scoring the equaliser with a stunning acrobatic volley at Liverpool, despite being asked to play in his less preferred left wing role, when he turned in Ahmed Elmohamady's centre.[LNB] But the Swedish international expects it to take time for him to peak at his new club.[LNB] "I prefer to play were Elmo was playing, on the right, but I am more than happy on the left," said Larsson. "I am not at full match fitness yet so I will get better the more I play."[LNB] Celtic remain interested in signing Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon.[LNB] But it is understood Gordon, currently working his way back to fitness after knee surgery, will have to take a dramatic pay cut to move to Parkhead.[LNB]
