Goalkeeper Craig Gordon has vowed to do "everything" he can to get himself back in the Sunderland starting lineup.
The Scotland international has been out of action for 12 months with a succession of injuries.
However, he is now nearing full fitness and has warned fellow keeper Simon Mignolet that he is keen to get back between the posts.
"I'll be doing everything I can between now and the end of the season to try to get back in the team," Gordon told the club's official website.
"It's up to me to train hard, put some pressure on and prove that I am ready to start playing again."
Gordon joined the Black Cats in 2007 from Scottish Premier League side Hearts.