SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, who threatened to quit the club during last season's battle to stave off relegation, is now convinced that Peter Reid's side are ready to make a renewed Premiership impact.

Sorensen, with the Denmark squad preparing for Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier against Norway in Oslo, has acclaimed manager Reid's £10m double signing of strikers Tore Andre Flo and Marcus Stewart.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who has two years to run on his contract, also believes the arrivals of defenders Phil Babb and Stephen Wright and winger Matt Piper, have strengthened a Sunderland squad which was in need of major improvements after last season's flirtation with the drop.

Sorensen's mood appears to have changed markedly since last March when, while on international duty with the Danes, he admitted he wanted to move to a more successful club.

At the time, Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa had all been linked with Sorensen, who said: "I dearly want to be with a club who are playing in Europe and I hope something can be sorted out in the summer.

"I want to be playing at the top end of the Premiership, challenging for the title if possible, and certainly for a place in Europe at least.''

Sorensen was between the posts as Sunderland finished seventh in the Premiership in two successive years before last season's dramatic ten-place slump.

But after Saturday's enthralling 1-1 home draw with Manchester United, when debutant Flo scored the equaliser, came hard on the heels of a surprise 1-0 triumph at Leeds three days earlier, Sorensen said: "The atmosphere was back to its best at the weekend.

"The two signings lifted everyone's spirits, including those in the dressing room. The crowd was fully behind us and it made a real difference.

"The manager has brought in a few new players and they have impressed. We have made a decent start to the season.

"The introduction of Flo lifted the crowd, but there is also Phil Babb, Stephen Wright and Matt Piper who have come in and done tremendous jobs.

"I think the two results last week, at Leeds and against United, will give us the platform to go on and have a good season."

Sorensen, who has conceded only two goals in four games this term, added: "It's pleasing when you look solid at the back and we now look like we can go on and win games.

"We've kept the same back four in all the games and it's been pretty comfortable."

Meanwhile, Sunderland's derby clash with Newcastle United at St. James' Park has been brought forward a day from Sunday, September 22, to Saturday 21.

The game was originally moved to the Sunday for live coverage on Sky with a 4.05 kick-off.

But the Magpies requested a switch after learning they faced a gruelling two games in three days, with Feyenoord heading for Tyneside in the Champions' League on Tuesday 24.

The Tyne-Wear showdown, however, will still be shown live on Sky, with a 12.15 kick-off.

Read more about Sunderland here.