Steven Caldwell is straining at the leash and hopes to play a major role in Burnley's survival bid.
Clarets skipper determined to play his part
Steven Caldwell is straining at the leash and hopes to play a major role in Burnley's battle to beat the drop.
The Clarets skipper has only recently returned to action following a four-month spell on the sidelines with groin and abdominal problems.
He was eased back into the fold at Hull City last time out, stepping off the bench in a crucial 4-1 win for Brian Laws' side.
Caldwell is now hoping to force his way back into starting contention and play his part in helping to keep Burnley in the Premier League.
He said: "Time is running out and I feel as though I am ready. I want to be out there. It will be a special day for me going back. I sincerely hope I am playing.
"It is a tremendous place to play football, a great stadium and some great people running the club.
"We have four massive cup finals and beating Hull has given us a bit more confidence. We are buoyant but know Sunderland are an excellent side."
Response
Burnley remain inside the bottom three with four games remaining, four points from safety, but Laws believes victory at the KC Stadium last week has given them every chance of clawing their way to safety.
He said: "It is game on, no question of that. We've grabbed an ankle or two of the teams around us. No one has got away from us.
"We need at least two wins to get out of it. That victory against Hull has given us great belief. We responded magnificently after going a goal down.
"It is a prime time for us to face a Sunderland (on Saturday) team who have lost only two league games at home. We are feeling confident. If we take something from the game it will be fantastic.
"It's about sticking together, it's about working as a team. The ingredients have to be there to win it. It would set us up nicely for our next home match (against Liverpool)."
