Sunderland captain Lorik Cana believes his side can "do well
against any team in this league" despite the Wearsiders' current
struggles.
The Black Cats are without a league win in 13 outings
following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, and although manager
Steve Bruce saw enough at the Emirates Stadium to suggest the
corner is close to being turned, that cannot happen quickly enough.
They remain just three points clear of the drop zone heading
into Sunday's encounter with Fulham at the Stadium of Light, and
know their plight could have worsened by the time they kick off.
However, with key midfielder Lee Cattermole due to return
from suspension this weekend and the club's injury woes finally
starting to ease, Cana is expecting a return to the form which at
one point marked Sunderland out as potential European contenders.
He said: "The players that came in against Arsenal did well,
but we have Catts back for the next game and that is so important.
"We need Andy Reid back as soon as possible too because they
are both important players for us.
"I really believe that when we have our strongest XI, we can
do well against any team in this league.
"Having Catts beside me helps me to focus on my game. He does
not need me to look out for him. He knows his job, we complement
one another so well.
"Having me and Catts on the pitch for the rest of the season
is very important."
It is three months since Bruce's men last won in the league,
and they have collected just six points from the last 39 on offer.
But they now face a run of five games, four of which are at
home against Fulham, Bolton, Manchester City and Birmingham with
their trip to Aston Villa dependent upon the outcome of the
Midlanders' FA Cup fifth-round replay against Crystal Palace on
Wednesday evening, which could have a significant say in how the
remainder of the campaign pans out.
Cana told the Journal: "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.
"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.
"I try to lead my team-mates by showing a strong mentality
and hopefully giving them the belief to get through this period."
