MICHAEL Ingham last night told Howard Wilkinson he is the answer to Sunderland's goalkeeping crisis, writes Steven Baker.

With Thomas Sorensen and Thomas Myhre both absent through injury, Jurgen Macho will start Sunday's relegation battle at Charlton Athletic.

But Ingham, who almost played against West Ham United after Macho had a late injury scare, is adamant he will not let Wilkinson down if the Sunderland manager has to call on him.

Ingham said: "If I get the chance, I think I'll be ready to play in the Premiership. I believe I've got the ability but I need the matches to be able to prove that.

"I realise it will be hard to push my way in front of Thomas Sorensen and Thomas Myhre, but with the injuries I have a chance.

"I'll do my best to impress the new manager and see what happens."

Ingham, 22, has made just one first-team appearance for Sunderland - against Sheffield Wednesday in last season's Worthington Cup.

But Sorensen will be out until the New Year with his elbow injury, while Myhre infuriated Wilkinson by declaring himself fit for Monday's game with Bolton Wanderers - and then aggravating his thigh problem shortly after the kick-off.

Sunderland were last night linked with a move for Perugia's £4m-rated striker Zisas Vryzas when the transfer window reopens in January. But Wilkinson, who has a surfeit of forwards, has been told he has no money to spend.

* West Brom manager Gary Megson has rejected the chance to offload transfer-listed former Sunderland striker Danny Dichio to an unnamed Second Division club on loan.

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