Gordon sees light at end of Black Cats’ tunnel

SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Craig Gordon has admitted his disappointment at being dropped by the man who paid £9million (€12.5m) for him.

The 24-year-old became Britain’s most expensive goalkeeper when he completed his big-money move from Hearts during the summer, but found himself sitting on the substitutes’ bench for the 1-0 Premier League victory over Derby just 14 games into his career on Wearside.

Manager Roy Keane asked Darren Ward to take over against the Rams following the 7-1 defeat at Everton, and he then kept his place for the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.

Said Gordon: “It was disappointing to get dropped. If you are fit, you want to play — I’m no different to anyone else in the squad in that respect.

“The game before (Everton) was very disappointing for everyone at the club and the manager decided he was going to make some changes — I was one of them.

“I have got to try to get myself back in the team. You have got to pick yourself up and get on with it.’’

Ward, 33, took full advantage of his chance by keeping the club’s first clean sheet since the opening day of the season against Derby on what was a difficult day for Gordon.

However, there was never any chance of a split in the goalkeepers’ union.

Gordon said: “I wished Darren all the best when he went in. I train with Darren every day and I want him to do well. We are all in this together.

“The Derby game held mixed emotions for me. I would be lying if I said I was happy not to be out there when we beat Derby.

“It was a game we had to win, no matter what, and we got that win.

“I was happy for the lads and for the supporters because it was a vital victory, but obviously you want to be involved in games like that.”

Gordon will hope his second chance comes tomorrow as Aston Villa head for the Stadium of Light with three more precious points up for grabs.

He said: “We are looking forward to the game and hopefully we can keep our decent record at home going.

“The supporters really helped us through it against Derby and I’m sure they will do the same against Villa — and I hope to be involved.”