Tainio is ready for run-in

Apr 15 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Boss Sbragia has earmarked him a major role in the remaining six games – starting with the visit of Hull City on Saturday. And while Tainio admits he felt stiff after his return to action, there were no ill-effects from his first game since the end of February.

“It’s horrible when you come back after having six weeks off – I felt like I didn’t have any legs after the game,” he told Sunderland’s official website. “But on the other hand, it is nice to be back because you miss it. I hope now that I will be able to help the team to get out of trouble.

“The problem was with my left knee and it was serious. A few weeks ago I was ready to call for an operation and my season could have been over. It was a problem but it’s OK and hopefully it will stay that way for the rest of the season.”

Hull is the first of six games that Tainio believes must be treated like cup finals.

Just two points above the drop zone, and with two of their major relegation rivals coming up in back-to-back fixtures, Sunderland must replicate the performance and ambition of the United game.

“I think we will be OK if we play like we did against Manchester United,” he said.

“We have to keep being positive and attacking teams like we did in that game. We should take the positives from that game into the Hull game.”