Marton Fulop is out to frustrate Middlesbrough – and pal Craig Gordon. The Sunderland goalkeeper knows he will soon have record signing Gordon breathing down his neck for a recall. Fulop heads into tomorrow's Tees-Wear derby at the Riverside looking to convince manager Ricky Sbragia that Gordon should not walk straight back into the team when he recovers from an ankle injury.
"This run in the team is what I've been waiting for," said the Hungary international.
"I want to put in more good performances and make the manager think about who will be number one.
"I
think everyone can start with a clean slate after the change of
manager. I just hope that I have a 50-50 chance with Craig to get the
jersey.
"Although I feel sorry for Craig being injured, I want to make the most of my chance."
The
former Spurs 'keeper – whose desire to play meant he was close to
joining Stoke City in the summer – said: "Craig and I have a very good
relationship on and off the pitch.
"We sit next to each other in
the dressing room and talk to each other about goalkeeping and other
things. He's a very good guy and a very good training partner.
"I
hope my future is here now because that will mean I'm getting a long
run in the team. I want to play first team football and at the moment I
am enjoying it a lot."
Fulop said: "I look forward to every game and you can't
underestimate any game or opponent, but derby games have a little bit
more edge.
"My first game in the side when Craig got hurt was
the win against Newcastle. That was a great experience and I know how
special that was to the supporters.
"This is a very passionate
place for football and there is big rivalry. We will be treating the
Middlesbrough derby as no less important than Newcastle.
"I
think it will be a brilliant atmosphere. We will bring a lot of fans
and we're hoping we get a good result. If we get a win, we can have a
bit of breathing space at the bottom and that is our aim."
Personally I think Fulop has played exceptionally well since Gordon's injury and should by no means be pushed out just because Gordon is fit. He needs to fight for his place back.
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