Simpson wants to be involved at Palace

Posted on 30th January 2007

Sunderland player Danny Simpson is ready to go straight into the side which players Crystal Palace tonight. The player joined Sunderland on loan from Manchester Untied and is keen to make his debut for the Black Cats. However skipper Dean Whitehead has done a good job filling in at right-back in recent games, and he could hang on to his place if boss Roy Keane decides to ease Simpson in gently.

“I’m really looking forward to tonight’s game and I would love to be involved,” said Simpson. “I know that one of the reasons I have come in is to let Dean get back into central midfield. But I also know that the manager might want to keep him there for a game or two while I settle in. I’ve played against Dean in training, so I know what a good footballer he is and it wouldn’t surprise me if he stayed at right-back tonight. But I definitely feel fit enough to play and am ready to be selected.”

Simpson has spent the first part of the season on loan at Belgian side Royal Antwerp. There he played alongside another Manchester United loan player Jonny Evans. Evans joined Sunderland on loan at the beginning of January and now Simpson is looking forward to playing alongside his friend and former flatmate once again.

“Sir Alex Ferguson told me Roy Keane had been on and how would I fancy going to Sunderland? I didn’t need asking a second time. I had already spoken to Jonny Evans about Sunderland and how it was going for him up here. And he only had good things to say about Sunderland, the team and the fans,” said Simpson. “This is an exciting opportunity for me and I intend to make the most of it. I always give 100% in a game and I’ll be doing that against Crystal Palace tonight if I'm asked to play. But if I have to be patient and wait for my chance, then I am happy to do that too.”

Earlier Sunderland news

Caldwell ready for move to Burnley
Darren Ward gets new Sunderland deal
Edwards worries about Sunderland’s defense
Keane continues to keep plans on hold
Keane faces selection problem
Hysen not settling for the play-offs
Sunderland boosted with pair’s return to action
Evans would welcome extended stay
Result makes a change admits Keane
Stokes believes Sunderland can get promotion
Decision to join Sunderland was quick for Edwards
Sunderland trying to capture Warnock
Stead future in doubt as signings made
Hysen – I could have had a hat–trick
Patience the key says Keane