Chopra knows he must play the waiting game
Jan 27 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
MICHAEL Chopra admits that he still has a way to go to overhaul Sunderland’s first-choice strike pairing – even if he hopes to have mounted a compelling case for his future inclusion in the starting line-up over the weekend.
The return of Sunderland’s marquee strikers Djibril Cissé and the in-demand Kenwyne Jones seems inevitable for tonight’s encounter with Fulham at the Stadium of Light, given that the pair have scored the lion’s share of the team’s goals this season, but Chopra made a point in the FA Cup fourth round tie against Blackburn.
The former Newcastle man (pictured right) was praised by boss Ricky Sbragia for a “useful” performance, but he can understand why Cissé and Jones remain in pole position for the Black Cats’ crucial clash with the Cottagers.
Chopra admits that it has been frustrating to return to Wearside and not play regular football.
“Djibril and Kenwyne are playing very well. They’re both good players and they score goals,” he admitted. “It’s down to me when I get the chance to play to try to take it. I would have hoped to score against Blackburn on Saturday but it wasn’t to be. Hopefully I’ll get a chance in another game.
“The manager’s just told me to be patient. He says I’ll get my chance. I was happy to be playing every week there but my main concern now is to be focused on the next game for Sunderland.”
Despite his lack of games, Chopra has been identified as one of 20 or so ‘untouchables’ in Sbragia’s squad.
Sunderland have already turned down an approach from Cardiff to re-sign the forward and Sbragia has been heartened by the way Chopra has put his disappointment at not staying in South Wales behind him.
For his part, the striker is looking for Sunderland to move away from trouble in the next fortnight.
“We’re looking at games now against teams who are going to be in the same position where we’re going to be at the end of the season and you’ve got to try to take maximum points off them,” he said.
“We’re really looking forward to it because we know if we can get three points we’ll give ourselves a little bit of breathing space from the relegation zone.”
MARK DOUGLAS
