Greg Halford accepts his form hasn't been good enough to warrant a place in Sunderland manager Roy Keane's first team.
"I played in the reserves the other night, and have been feeling a lot sharper.
"There is a lot more to come for me, and I want to prove that to the manager and the fans.
"Hopefully I can kick on and make a stand for the right-back place while Macca is suspended.
"I couldn't have any argument about being out of the team because of my past form, but I aim to change things if I get that chance."
"I came to Sunderland to make my mark in the Premiership, so it's obviously difficult not being involved," he added. "But I know it's up to me to put that right."