By Chris O'Brien
October 17 2004

Bluebirds boss Lennie Lawrence will start negotiations with Sunderland later in the week with the intention of extending the loan spell of right-back Darren Williams. City's form has improved dramatically since the arrival of the longest-serving player in the Black Cats squad.

Cardiff City boss Lennie Lawrence is set to extend the loan or right-back Darren Williams, with the defender having impressed during his short loan spell from Sunderland. Struggling City have taken 7 points from the four Football League Championship outings Williams has been involved in, compared to a meagre 5 points taken from the previous 9 encounters.

City, building in confidence following a 2-0 win over bottom-placed Rotherham, visit Brighton on Tuesday with the game the last of Williams' initial 4-week loan period. After the trip to the Withdean, Lawrence will kick off negotiations with Black Cats manager Mick McCarthy about extending the deal with the Lennie thought to be interested in bringing Williams to South Wales on a full-time basis.

However, Williams does not seem enthusiastic about a permanent move to Ninian Park and has revealed his desire to return to the Sunderland line-up as they aim to bring top flight football to the Stadium of Light again. Williams' effort and commitment for the Bluebirds has been commendable though, and he has helped steady the ship following a pathetic start to the Football League campaign.

"I would jump at the chance to return to Sunderland - I'm settled in the area and I love the club. - but I'm on loan at Cardiff and I'm determined to do the best I can." said Williams.

"I'm delighted to be getting regular first team football again, after all, that's what you come into football for - to play games regularly - not to be wondering every week whether you're going to keep your place or even be involved at all, so it has been a good change."

"There's a good bunch of lads down here and I think they have a good chance of getting out of the relegation zone.

"I don't know yet what is going to happen, whether I'm staying at Cardiff or moving back to Sunderland but I just plan to make the most of the games coming up."

Sunderland are fairing quite differently in the league to the Bluebirds, currently sitting 5th in the table and harbouring ambitions of a return to the Premiership under the leadership of former Ireland chief McCarthy. After missing out in the play-off lottery last term, the North East outfit will be hoping to one better for the 2004/2005 season.