Sunderland skipper Lorik Cana has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates to halt the club's slide down the Premier League.
Captain vows to fight for survival
Sunderland skipper Lorik Cana has issued a rallying cry to his team-mates to halt the club's slide down the Premier League.
The Black Cats have not registered a victory in 13 league games after Saturday's 2-0 defeat by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and now lie just three points off the relegation zone.
Cana's central midfield partner Lee Cattermole is due to return from suspension for the visit of Fulham to the Stadium of Light on Sunday, and the Albania international is anticipating the club will return to the promising form shown in the early part of this season.
"The players that came in against Arsenal did well, but we have Catts back for the next game and that is so important," he said.
"I really believe that when we have our strongest XI, we can do well against any team in this league.
"Having me and Catts on the pitch for the rest of the season is very important."
Crucial
Despite Steve Bruce's side not registering a victory in three months, they now face a crucial period with four games at home out of five against Fulham, Bolton, Manchester City and Birmingham, the away fixture being at Aston Villa.
Cana, talking to
The Journal, feels that now is the time to start picking up vital points and fight for the Wearsiders' place in the top division.
"The manager has told us that this is the time for us to show great spirit, I agree with him and think that we showed that against Arsenal," he said.
"If we take that mentality into these next four or five home games, then I am confident we will be okay.
"I am a fighter, I never give up, but I think we have a team who have great fighting spirit."
