Byline: By JAMES HUNTER
DWIGHT YORKE is convinced he still has a key part to play this
season at Sunderland.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder has just returned to action
following a six-week lay-off after suffering a fractured eye socket in
pre-season.
The 36-year-old signed a new one-year contract with the Black
Catsover the summer, but the arrivals of Teemu Tainio and Steed
Malbranque means competition for places in central midfield is hotter
than ever.
Nevertheless, Yorke is eager to prove he still has something to
offer in the Premiership.
He said: "I am three or four weeks behind the rest of the lads
in terms of match fitness, but I was able to stay fairly active when I
had the injury.
"I do feel a fully-fit Dwight Yorke has a part to play or I
would not have signed a new contract.
"I had a long chat with the manager in the summer, and he said
he felt I could play a part in the Premier League. That was good enough
for me and that is why I signed the deal.
"I knew he would be bringing a lot of players and competition
would be intense, but that is what we all live for.
"I feel I can compete against these guys. I can bring the
experience we still need."
Yorke picked up his facial injury in Sunderland's pre-season
game against Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal on July 23.
Hoever, he is back in full training now, has played in one reserve
game and was included among the substitutes for last weekend's 3-0
home defeat against Man City.
Yorke is away on international duty with Trinidad and Tobago, who
face World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala on Saturday and then the USA
on Wednesday.
It is a second international comeback for Yorke, who has twice
retired from the Trindad and Tobago set-up.
He first retired from international football in 2001, but returned
for his country's World Cup 2006 qualification campaign.
Yorke then announced his retirement again in March last year and
was invited to play in a 'farewell' friendly against England
three months ago.
It seems, though, his farewell game was premature because he is now
back in the national squad again - although he insists club football
remains his priority.
Yorke added: "I am totally in control of the situation.
"I need games at the moment, and going away to play in two
competitive matches will do me good.
"The travel aspect is not great, but I have coped with that in
the past and I know how to handle it.
"I have spoken to the gaffer in the past and nothing has
changed with my situation with Trinidad and Tobago.
"If it is right for me to go and play for them I will, but if
I am playing a big part in the season here then I can always take a step
back from it."
CAPTION(S):
PART TO PLAY: Veteran midfielder Dwight Yorke hopes to stay
involved at Sunderland this season
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