Sbragia sets sights on more signings
Feb 2 2009 By Mark Douglas, The Journal
RICKY Sbragia has revealed that he is hopeful of clinching two more signings after sealing a loan deal for Manchester City defender Tal Ben Haim.
Sbragia, who was "happy" to take a point from Newcastle at St James’s Park despite what he admitted was a below- par second half display, is looking to add another defender after managing to resurrect the deal for Ben Haim.
He said: "It’s a position we have been short in so I’m delighted that Tal has joined us. I know all about him from his days at Bolton. He’s got a lot of top- flight experience and he will be a great addition to our squad."
The club are also understood to have an interest in Spurs striker Darren Bent, although Sbragia denied that afterwards, while Ben Haim’s Manchester City colleague Richard Dunne has also been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light. "We need another defender – we’re short on defenders. There is a couple of things going on – we’ve just got to wait to see if we get the go-ahead. There is maybe a couple in the wings – we’ve got to get on with it very quick now."
Sbragia denied that Micheal Chopra would today be leaving for Cardiff on a permanent basis, although he was disappointed that the forward did not settle the game when he broke free late in the second half. "I thought he had a chance but he opted to cross," he said. "I don’t think Malcolm McDonald would have missed that." Overall, Sbragia was happy enough to claim a share of the spoils from an even game in which Sunderland faded after a bright period.
"I thought it was a point gained, to be honest. I was happy with it. We really needed a second goal after going one up – we knew Newcastle would come at us in the second half as well," he said.
"They made it very difficult for us in the second half, even though the goal came from a penalty that I thought was a bit soft. But he probably could have sent Phil Bardsley off if he’d have wanted to for a rash tackle later on. In general I was happy to come away with a point. As for the penalty: I don’t think Steed (Malbranque) actually made contact, he stubbed the ground. I think (Steven) Taylor’s done the five-card trick and won the penalty but he’s given it and we can’t do anything about it." There was good news on the injury front for Sunderland, with Sbragia saying that the ankle injury that forced Djibril Cisse off in the second half is not serious. Kenwyne Jones also reported no after- effects from a couple of robust challenges that rocked him either side of half-time.
Sbragia said. "We’ve got a few games coming up in a short space of time and Djibril indicated he wanted to come off. I think he should be okay for Saturday."
