Dean Whitehead

By The Black Cats
January 22 2009

Sunderland midfielder and Club Captain Dean Whitehead has said he will not be looking to avoid a yellow card in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers. Whitehead is currently on 4 yellow cards, and a booking in the FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers would see him suspended for the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' park on the 1st of February.

"You don't want to miss the derby, but if you get booked you miss the game," said Whitehead

"If the manager plays me on Saturday, I won't pull out of any challenges."

Whitehead has been linked with a move to Hull City, although manager Ricky Sbragia is determined to retain his captain at the Stadium of Light.

Whitehead himself admitted it is a plus and relief to be wanted by the new manager at Sunderland and is keen to repay that faith on the field.

"It's obviously nice for managers to be interested in buying you," he said.

"But it's also nice for the club that I play for, having the manager come out and say that he wants to keep me and it's given me confidence.

Deano has become somewhat of a scapegoat for some fans at the Sunderland Stadium of Light, but he says "It doesn't bother me. I just get on with the next game, but it's nice to feel wanted."