Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner CRAIG GARDNER is ready to step in as an emergency right-back for Sunderlandâs Premier League opener at Arsenal this weekend. With Phil Bardsley sidelined for several weeks after undergoing ankle surgery, Black Cats boss Martin OâNeill will be forced to find a temporary solution at the Emirates Stadium. John OâShea, Ahmed Elmohamady and new signing Carlos Cuellar can all operate at right-back, but Gardner looked solid when called upon to fill the role last season and he started Sunderlandâs final pre-season friendly at Leicester in that position last weekend. Gardner has made no secret of the fact he prefers to play in midfield, but insists he is happy to play anywhere for OâNeill. Gardner, who played under OâNeill at Aston Villa earlier in his career, said: âThe gaffer has to make the decision but he knows as long as I am in the starting 11 I donât care where I play. âMidfield is my favourite position and I did say when I returned to pre-season my target was to become a first-team regular and up my goals-to-games ratio. âUltimately, though, I am a team player and will do whatever I can to help out. âI did not play right-back much at Villa, but it was Martin OâNeill who put me there. âAs long as I am running around at 3.00 on a Saturday afternoon then I am happy! âEven if I was asked to play in goal then I would give it my all, that is the kind of person I am and that is what I want to do for Sunderland.â Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news Well done son you were immense there last season when you stepped in, made me a little happier
I'd be happy enough if he was our regular right back as I feel it's where he played best for us last season
