RICKY SBRAGIA would have you believe that when Teemu Tainio plays, Sunderland play well. So, ahead of Monday’s trip to Portsmouth, the manager will be relieved the unflappable Finn should be fit to start.

After a stop-start season because of injuries, Tainio feels he has returned to full fitness at exactly the right time – the time to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old was a vital ingredient in Sbragia’s tactical mix at Bolton last weekend, when a draw ensured Sunderland have a point advantage over the relegation zone with two matches remaining.

It was a result that means if two of Newcastle, Hull and Middlesbrough fail to win on Saturday, Sunderland could secure top-flight status at Fratton Park on Monday.

Tainio is convinced they can do just that, otherwise he fears they would face difficult final day nerves against Chelsea on May 24.

“Can we get away without winning at Portsmouth? I think we still need one point to stay up but it’s very hard to predict,” said Tainio, reflecting on Monday’s Tyne-Tees derby that earned Newcastle a lifeline.

“It’s been a very strange season. Hull started well and now they’re below us. We can’t rely on beating Chelsea in the last game, so we need to make sure we get something from Portsmouth because we know it will be hard against Chelsea.

“We are definitely not safe yet. There’s only two points between us and the relegation zone. If Newcastle and Hull win and we lose we will be one point below Newcastle and Hull come Monday.”

With Newcastle due to face Fulham at St James’ Park and Hull travelling to Bolton on Saturday, Tainio felt it was pointless knocking the fixture schedulers for making Sunderland wait 48 hours.

But given the campaign he has endured, it is little wonder the former Auxerre man is just relishing the opportunity to be involved at such an important stage of the season.

He recently had to have an injection in a troublesome knee, although he is currently feeling no aggravation.

“It’s been really frustrating.

It’s not easy when you see a team struggling and you can’t do anything about it,” he said.

“But we have two massive games left and we can save the season. I am happy to be involved.”

Tainio’s availability has led to Sbragia suggesting that the Scandinavian has become a vital commodity in his starting line-up.

Despite initial fears that Tainio had suffered further injury woe at Bolton, where he took another knock to his ankle, he has trained all week.

And Sunderland manager Sbragia has also revealed both Kenwyne Jones and Kieran Richardson are expected to return to full training today after sustaining minor injuries last weekend.

Jones limped from the pitch with an ankle complaint, while Richardson has been sidelined with a niggle this week. All three, though, should be available for the Portsmouth date.

There are also suggestions that George McCartney will figure in either of the remaining two matches after recovering from a calf problem.