BRAZILIAN Emerson Thome is ready for the battle that lies ahead as he looks to cement a place in Howard Wilkinson's new-look Sunderland side.

The £4.5m defender is pushing for a first-team recall after a ten-month lay-off with knee problems, that have seen the former Chelsea man go under the knife three times in the past year.

However, since returning to action, Thome, a first-choice when fit under former boss Peter Reid, has seen his route back to the first team blocked by the form of Phil Babb and Jody Craddock.

And Thome - who was the subject of a recent loan bid by his former club Sheffield Wednesday - is aware that there is no automatic starting place, but remains sure he still has a future on Wearside.

"At the moment there's a lot of competition because Jody and Phil Babb both played well in a difficult match against Tottenham and of course I am happy about that," he said.

"But I'm confident in my ability and in my qualities. I've no doubts about what I can do and it's just a case of waiting for the manager to give me a chance. When that happens it will be up to me to stay there."

In August, Thome followed the well-travelled route of North-East players to north America, where he visited specialist Dr Richard Steadman.

Steadman saved the career of Newcastle's Alan Shearer and has also assisted Craig Bellamy in his fight to recover from the knee injury which he ironically sustained at Sunderland in March.

"I'm still working towards getting back into the first team - that is always at the back of my mind when I'm playing at the moment.

"I've played five games now - four in the reserves and one in the Worthington Cup - and I'm pleased that I'm feeling better and better with each match."

Thome is hoping for a place on the bench when the Black Cats go to Liverpool on Sunday.

* Striker Tore Andre Flo has been recalled to the Norwegian squad after finding his scoring touch for the Wearsiders.

Flo, who has scored in both his last two Premiership starts, is starting to produce the form that persuaded former manager Peter Reid to pay Rangers a club-record £8.2m for his services.

Flo was last called up for the national squad in March, and will be looking to cement his place for the Euro 2004 qualifiers by impressing in the friendly against Austria.

* Sunderland have been linked with a £2m move for Derby County goalkeeper Mart Poom.

Read more about Sunderland here.