NYRON Nosworthy believes that he has forced his way back in to Steve Bruce’s plans despite being part of the Sunderland side that crashed out of the League Cup.

Prior to the penalty shootout defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday evening, Bruce had handed Nosworthy only two starts, but the manager has been sufficiently impressed by the powerful centre-back to hand him a deal until June 2012.

While Bruce has admitted that he is short of cover in the midfield positions, he boasts plentiful options in central defence.

Nosworthy admits that he faces a battle to unseat first choice pairing Michael Turner and Anton Ferdinand and noted that the presence of John Mensah and Paulo Da Silva in the squad ensures competition will be fierce.

However, after helping to keep Villa’s strikeforce at bay for 120 minutes, Nosworthy is now pressing for a place in the side to face West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

“Obviously, the result was bad but we’ve just got to turn it around for our next game,”

said Nosworthy.

“We’re at home again and everyone who was in the team on Tuesday will have given the manager food for thought.

That’s what you want. You want a strong squad and people have been disappointed not to have played games, but the way to go about it is that when you do play, you have to perform well.”

Nosworthy backed Bruce’s policy of trimming his first team squad to 22 players, believing that is has boosted morale and increased competition for places.

He said: “It helps everyone and it’s pressure for those who are in the team.

“If they’re not doing well, the pressure is there because there’s someone to take their place. It’s fresh competition and that’s how it should be at any football club.

“I think there’s always been a good set of lads here, ever since I’ve been here. The camaraderie is very, very high and the team spirit is very, very good during games, after games, and when we come together and do things as a team.

“I think the main thing is that the boys have all stuck together and never had anything negative to say about each other. We’ve all just got on with it. That is the beauty of our football club.”

Saturday’s game offers Bruce’s side a chance to erase memories of their lacklustre display at Birmingham City last week and recapture the form that secured victory over Liverpool.

West Ham have struggled on their travels this season with victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers their only success away from Upton Park.

But Nosworthy warned against complacency.

“The last time West Ham came here they beat us, so we’re not going to write them off at all,” said the defender.

“They play good football and we’re going to expect a real good game. We’re going to go out there as if it was Liverpool.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland stars Paulo Da Silva and John Mensah will be on hand to sign official merchandise and pose for photos with fans at the Stadium of Light store this evening from 4pm to 5.30pm.