Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop hopes to convince manager Steve Bruce to forget about signing a new keeper.

Bruce has been considering his options since Gordon's injury and has been linked with Portsmouth's David James.

However Fulop, who lost his place last season because of a troublesome heel problem, is hoping to prove he is the man for Bruce after spending too much time for his own liking on the sidelines.

He said: "It's not nice. You are here to play. As a foreign player you miss your family, but if you're playing it doesn't hurt quite so much.

"I have never been someone who is willing to sit on the bench and pick up my wages. That would be easy money but I have always wanted to work hard and to prove to my family, my friends and my team-mates that I'm a good goalkeeper.

"I think in the long-term that attitude brings you rewards. You will get what you deserve."