Gordon offers positive outlook

By Nick Alexander

Craig Gordon has called for a positive outlook as Sunderland prepare for the visit of Manchester United.

The Scotland goalkeeper says the Black Cats must believe they can get a good result against the Premier League leaders and title favourites.

Saturday's meeting is the first of two big games for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, with strugglers Hull City arriving on Wearside seven days later. After that, Ricky Sbragia's men go to West Brom.

It is an important month for Sunderland and Gordon believes the fans will have a leading part to play as the Black Cats look to get out of trouble.

"We're back at home and even though we're playing a good Manchester United side, we still think we can take something from the game," he said.

"People will say we have no chance against United but football is strange, they lost at Fulham recently and no one expected that.

"Man United are in a close race for the title and they will be nervous. If they are not 100 per cent on their game, we have to pounce. We're not expected to win so maybe we can relax and play some good football."

Gordon added: "We've got plenty to do, we realise that, but we're ready to put in the hard work to make sure we are in the Premier League next season.

"We know we have a couple of huge games after Saturday but it's wrong to look beyond the Man United game, we're focusing on that."

Gordon returned to Sunderland's starting line-up at West Ham last weekend, for the first time in the league since November.

The Scot edged out Marton Fulop who had saved Robinho's penalty in Sunderland's previous game.

"It was a surprise when I found out I was playing, but a nice one," said the goalkeeper. "I'll work hard to keep my place in the team now."

Sunderland are expecting a crowd of around 45,000 for Saturday's game against the Premier League and European champions.

"The fans will have a big role to play," said the Scot. "We have some tough home games to come but with the crowd behind us, we know we can get some good results."