THOMAS SORENSEN believes the knowledge he has gained from his watching brief for "three long months" can help Sunderland in their relegation battle.

The goalkeeper, recalled at Jurgen Macho's expense on Saturday, insists he has learnt much about the side and their problems from being a spectator since early October.

He recognises their plight is a perilous one but is adamant he can help the club extract itself from the mire.

Sorensen, 26, said: "If I can pass something on to my team on the training ground and in games, hopefully it will have an effect.

"I think seeing it from the outside helps and I'm sure we'll get out of this situation.

"I have to concentrate on my job, but I've shown some enthusiasm and responsibility.

"I haven't been involved that much, and I feel I can contribute and give something to the team.

"We can't feel sorry for ourselves; we have to get on with it. I thought the players did their absolute best, but we all agree it can get better.

"The home games are very important. Our next two home games are against Charlton and Southampton, which are games we would have thought we'd get six points from before the season.

"With the situation now, we definitely need the six points. We're disappointed not to have beaten Blackburn, but it was a game we could have lost."

It certainly was, as Sorensen made good saves from Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole to prevent Sunderland from slipping into even deeper trouble.

The return of Sorensen was a surprise, considering Macho's impressive form in recent weeks, but the Denmark international gave a faultless display.

He said: "I didn't expect to go straight in the team, but now I'm there it's down to me to keep the others out.

"I've said all along that Jurgen Macho has done tremendously well. I'm just happy that the manager has good faith in me.

"It's nice to have competition because it can only make all of us better."

Wilkinson revealed that he accounted for the prospect of Macho leaving at the end of the season once his contract expires in taking the decision to pick Sorensen.

The Sunderland manager said: "Jurgen is out of contract in six months' time. We're currently negotiating a new one and he'll be around for a while yet.

"But Thomas was considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world when he got injured. Jurgen's chin was on the floor when I arrived but now his shares are higher, and he can consider himself unfortunate not to play.

"Where Thomas didn't have competition from Jurgen Macho three months ago, now he does. That's good for Thomas and the club, and even better for Jurgen." Phil Babb picked up a groin injury on Saturday and is doubtful for tomorrow's FA Cup third round replay with Bolton Wanderers.

Wilkinson could also decide to rest Paul Thirlwell, who is being hampered by a hernia problem.

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