Tainio is ready for run-in

Apr 15 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

TEEMU Tainio has declared himself fit and available to play a big role in Sunderland's fight against the drop – just weeks after he had resigned himself to a potentially season-ending operation on his troublesome left knee.

The Finland midfielder, signed from Tottenham in the summer, has endured a stop-start first campaign on Wearside but his appearances have invariably coincided with Sunderland’s better performances.

His quality has never been in doubt – he was highly rated at White Hart Lane but was allowed to leave because injuries had seen him drop down the pecking order at Spurs. He has played just 15 times for Sunderland this season, but is keen to make up for lost time and prove his worth to manager Ricky Sbragia, who has rarely been able to call on one of the club’s best holding midfielders.

True to form, his return to the team after six weeks on the injury list prompted an improvement as Sunderland matched European champions Manchester United – only to be denied by a dramatic late Federico Macheda goal.

The tenacious Tainio adds balance to the team and set up Kenwyne Jones’ equaliser with a superb cross, proving he has lost none of his endurance during a prolonged spell of inaction.