Craig Vows To Copy Cats Hero Sorensen

Apr 20 2008

Newcastle V Sunderland

SUNDERLAND keeper Craig Gordon gets fresh inspiration every day - by staring at a giant photo of Thomas Sorensen's famous penalty save from Toon ace Alan Shearer.

And the Scotland No.1 hopes to follow the great Dane into Black Cats folklore by keeping a clean sheet today against Northeast rivals Newcastle.

Sorensen's spot-kick save helped the Wearsiders to a 2-1 derby win in 2000 and Gordon said: "There is a big picture of that penalty stop down in the kit room.

"I see it every day when I pick up my gear. I've not managed to save a penalty yet this season so if it was to come at St James' there would be no better place."

Victory today over the Magpies would also be a huge boost in Roy Keane's men's battle to escape their relegation worries.

Gordon, a veteran of 16 Edinburgh derbies during his time at Hearts, said: "It is a big and important game.

"There is still pressure on us but we have put ourselves in a decent position, above the relegation zone and in control of our own destiny."