NYRON NOSWORTHY insists that Sunderland will avoid losing to Barrow by approaching the game as if it were the biggest of their season.

The defender has come under fire in recent weeks, notably following his failure to contain Manchester City’s Craig Bellamy, but Nosworthy has become accustomed to confounding his critics.

While today’s opponents won’t boast a player of Bellamy’s capabilities, Nosworthy still believes that Sunderland must be as prepared for this game as if they were facing one of the top teams in the country.

“Barrow, Arsenal it’s the same thing. You go all out for the win, nothing less is acceptable,” he insisted.

“We’ve never had a really decent cup run since I came here so hopefully this will be our chance – never say never.

It would be another sign of our progress if we could get a taste of cup success, the fans deserve it.

“I view it as a game that you approach like it’s the biggest game of the season.

“Concentration levels must be highest and we should try to finish the game off as quickly as possible.

The fact that we are at home means the fans expect us to win and get a few goals on the board.”

Barrow will bring almost 8,000 supporters to the Stadium of Light hoping to inspire an upset.

Nosworthy believes that his experienced presence could be vital as injuries will again force Steve Bruce to put his faith in some of the squad’s youngsters.

“I’m a bit of an old boy in the current squad,’’ said the 29-year-old.

“There are a few of the experienced lads out with injury and suspension and when I looked at the team sheet at Blackburn I thought ‘ wow I’m like the old geezer!’ “I do feel greater responsibility when we are lacking a few of the older heads but I am not a player who is going to shout his head off on the pitch. I try to lead by example.

“It’s great to see the likes of David Myler and Jordan Henderson being given a chance. Jordan has become a regular in the first team in such a short space of time it’s just amazing.

“And Meyler did not look out of place. I am absolutely delighted for him. I think he’s given the manager plenty to think about.”

Nosworthy, who is confident both he and his team-mates can pass their latest test, added: “It’s times like these when we push together as a team.

“If you can come through these times then it stands you in good stead. I can’t let afternoons like at Manchester City get me down. I’ve bounced back.

“That is my way, I never give up or get down after one bad game or whatever.

“I have been at this club when it was on a real low.

But we have enjoyed some highs and I still regard this as being a time when the club are on a high.”

Barrow bos out for revenge

DARREN Sheridan has revenge on his mind as he leads non-league Barrow to the Stadium of Light for their FA Cup third-round tie with Sunderland.

More than 8,000 fans are expected to make the trip to Wearside for another highprofile cup tie, a year after the Bluebirds travelled to then- Premier League outfit Middlesbrough.

Barrow co-manager Sheridan believes the experience will hold his side in good stead but admits he has more than just a cup upset on his mind when he goes head-to-head with his former manager Steve Bruce.

‘‘I played under Steve at Wigan,’’ he said. ‘‘He is the one who released me so I am hoping to get a bit of revenge.

‘‘But it’s one of those things, one of those jobs you’ve got to do. It’s not nice for any manager to let players go, but you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.

‘‘It happened to me under Steve and you just get on with life, that’s the way it goes.

‘‘He’s all right, he’s a strong manager. He reminds me a bit of Iain Dowie; strong but fair.

I’ve nothing bad to say about him – just that he let me go.’’ After leaving the Latics, Sheridan went on to enjoy a successful playing career at Oldham, Clyde and St Johnstone before arriving at Holker Street in January 2007.

By the end of the year he had been appointed joint manager at the club alongside Dave Bayliss, with whom he led the Bluebirds to promotion from the Blue Square North and on last season’s FA Cup adventure.

Sheridan has used those links with Boro to aid his side’s preparation, with Barrow using their training facilities yesterday after he put in a call to manager Gordon Strachan.

And, barring any pre-match niggles, Sheridan and Bayliss will head into the clash with a full squad to choose from.

They are unbeaten in all competitions since late November and made it to the third round by thrashing Blue Square Premier leaders Oxford.

Even though they have only played twice since the second round, Sheridan is confident his side will put up a fight.

‘‘Some lads thought they may never get the chance to play a Premier League side again,’’ he said. ‘‘But they’ve done well again and deserve to be there. I just hope they enjoy it like last year.

‘‘We’ve got to go there and hold it tight. We know it’s a hard game, we’re playing a Premier League side and we’re expected to get beat, so the pressure’s on them really.

The lads have just got to relax and enjoy the day. I’m sure they will give it their all.’’ Sheridan knows the cup run will have far wider benefits for the club as a whole.

‘‘It’s massive financially for the club,’’ he added. ‘‘If we’re lucky on the day, Sunderland will miss their chances and we can get a lucky goal that can get us the win, or even take them back to our place.

‘‘But even just getting to this round has got the town buzzing, as you can see from the turnout we’re taking. There will be no-one left in Barrow on the day.”