Craig Gardner insists he wants to stay and fight for is place at Sunderland.

Sunderland entertain Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, ready to avenge last week's home league defeat to the Gunners.

Gardner said: "We've become a tight-knit unit and whether you're playing or not, you're feeling part of it.

"I've been here now six months and I've got to say that I'm loving it here - I genuinely am. I'm enjoying it, I'm settled, and I want the fans to know that.

"I want to keep my head down and keep going and keep helping the club progress."