Danny Collins is our role model – Ricky Sbragia

Apr 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

RICKY Sbragia has told his team to follow Danny Collins’ tenacious example as they go in search of Premier League redemption against Everton this weekend.

Sunderland’s defeat against West Brom plunged the team back into the thick of a relegation battle alongside North East rivals Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.

But it was the manner of the performance as much as the result which caused anger and anxiety in the Black Cats’ ranks.

As well as making them sit through a DVD of their horror show against Albion, Sbragia has addressed the lacklustre display in the West Midlands with the players themselves and is hoping some harsh words will provoke a battling display against Everton.

Good performances were few and far between in the Black Country.

And, although Sunderland were not at their best defensively, at least Collins did not surrender in the heat at the Hawthorns.

Sbragia is looking for all of his players to show a similar attitude on Sunday when Everton travel to Wearside in a game that has become crucial in the battle to stay in the top flight.

If results go against them, Sunderland could be just one point above the drop zone by the time they take to the field at the Stadium of Light.

“Danny’s been super, absolutely super. He deserves his new contract and what you

get from Danny Collins is total commitment. In training he’s absolutely fantastic,” the Black Cats boss said.

“Phil Bardsley is a tiger, too, and that is what we want from everyone. We have told the players ‘If you train well, you play well’.

“(Former Sunderland scout) Dave Bowman brought him (Collins) in and I think he only cost something like £15,000. He was an absolute snip and it shows that there are good players around that are available for that kind of money.