STEVE CALDWELL is in possession of the captain's armband at Sunderland, but he is well aware that by no means guarantees his starting place.

The Scotland international made his return to the Black Cats side at Norwich City on Saturday, after a three-month absence with a knee ligament injury.

During that time he has seen Roy Keane arrive as manager and witnessed wholesale changes to the squad he was a part of during the summer.

One notable arrival was Stanislav Varga, a Sloavakian defender in direct competition with Caldwell for a place at the heart of the Sunderland defence.

Varga, who missed last weekend's defeat to Norwich with a knee problem, is still struggling but if he was to recover in time for the visit of Southampton on Saturday then he will be battling with Caldwell and Danny Collins for a place.

Both men had a part to play in allowing Norwich's Robert Earnshaw to score the winner at Carrow Road, so Keane could quite easily opt to axe one of them this weekend.

And Caldwell admits no-one has been assured of a place in Keane's first eleven, not even the club skipper.

"You're always worried if you're going to get back in and I was worried when I was injured," said Caldwell. "I'm worried whether I'll play Saturday, it's the nature of football.

"You have to be competitive because the best teams have the best squads and the best players and you have to do well to stay in the team.

"That's what we want at this club and I'm involved in it every bit as much as anyone else as club captain. If I don't perform someone will take my place.

"I'm trying to learn every day. Whoever gives me any advice, the manager, the coach or anybody, I want to listen and become a better player."

Caldwell started the season at the heart of the defence alongside Kenny Cunningham but, after defeats to Coventry and Birmingham in August, he was then ruled out of action for 12 weeks.

He has since made his return to full fitness and is relishing the opportunity to work under Keane.

The Irish boss has spoken at length of his admiration for Caldwell's attitude around the training ground and in the dressing room and the defender is keen to ensure that continues.

Firstly, though, he just wants to return to his best form so he can forget about his injury problems at the start of the campaign and concentrate on turning things around for Sunderland.

"I felt great at Norwich, a little bit leggy in the last ten minutes, but we were pushing for goals then," said the 26-year-old. "I was trying to get up for set plays, throw-ins and stuff and it's not in my game to get from box to box.

"I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good to be back. It's my first really long injury and it makes you appreciate you love football and how much you want to be out there."

Midfielder Tommy Miller's move to Ipswich is likely to be tied up after this weekend's fixtures, with the Portman Road club already at their limit of loan signings.

Manager Jim Magilton will move on one of those players to pave the way for the 27-year-old to complete a deal until January.