THOMAS Sorensen has admitted that he fears for Sunderland's plight unless his former club win every game between now and Christmas.

The Denmark international, who made 197 appearances for the Black Cats during a five-year spell, returned to help Aston Villa claim a 3-1 win on Saturday.

His contribution, allied to the efforts of both Kevin Phillips and Gavin McCann, piled even more misery on to the long-suffering Sunderland fans, who have now witnessed 17 successive Premiership home games without a win.

That sequence will be extended to 18 unless Mick McCarthy's side beat another of their relegation rivals, Birmingham, this weekend.

Sorensen sees Saturday's game as a must-win encounter for his former employers, but admits that even three points will do little to assuage their plight.

Sunderland also entertain Liverpool this month, before playing back-to-back away games at Tottenham and Charlton. The season might still be just 13 games old, but the goalkeeper feels the writing could be on the wall unless they win those three matches as well.

"It was obvious they lacked confidence on Saturday," said Sorensen. "I have been able to watch a number of their games and I think, in general, they have played well.

"But, in our game, there is a very small margin between winning and losing.

"I do think there was an obvious gap in quality, especially as it was also a must-win game for us.

"Now I believe that, even with many games left to be played, Sunderland need to win four, five or even six games in a row."

Sorensen was one of a host of players to flee the Stadium of Light after the Black Cats tumbled out of the top-flight in 2003.

The 29-year-old has gone on to make almost 100 appearances for Villa but, after being cheered on to the pitch at the weekend, he admits that Sunderland still holds a special place in his heart.

"Of course I still have feelings for this club and the fans," he said. "Remember, it was Peter Reid here at Sunderland who gave me my big chance in England.

"It is a tremendous club and, even after this game, the Villa players were talking about the stadium as we warmed down.

"My first hope is that Sunderland stay in the Premiership, but I am happy at Villa. Sunderland will always be a special place to me - how can I ever forget those games with Newcastle?"

* McCarthy hopes to have both Liam Lawrence and Stephen Elliott available for Saturday's game with Birmingham.

Lawrence was taken into hospital on Friday night suffering from severe vomiting, but tests have shown nothing more serious than a bout of gastroenteritis.

Elliott, who is suffering from a back problem, is responding well to treatment and could be back in the squad for this weekend's basement battle.

* Birmingham's game with Bolton last night was postponed at 7pm because of fog at St Andrews.

The pitch was playable but the poor visibility could be considered a danger to players and fans. Steve Bruce's side remain second from bottom in the table, ahead of only Sunderland.

Read more about Sunderland here.