LuaLua keen to aid Cats’ survival fight
KAZENGA LuaLua is praying his injury problems are finally over so he can help Sunderland’s survival battle.
The 27-year-old has been dogged by an ankle injury since joining the Wearsiders from Brighton in January, restricting him to just four outings as a substitute totalling just over two hours of playing time.
LuaLua’s introduction from the bench at Bristol City in February was a factor in Sunderland’s fightback from 3-0 down to earn a point, but the injury meant he did not play again until the weekend defeat against Preston.
He said: “I hope I can put a run together now, fingers crossed. It has been really hard for me since I came here.
“I have had ankle issues but I have trained for a few days now and feel fine after the Preston game, so hopefully I can stay fit until the end of the season now.”
LuaLua can play either as a winger or as a striker and, given Sunderland are struggling to score goals, they need as much firepower as they can muster as look to avoid dropping into League One. The ex-Newcastle United man said of being asked to play as a striker: “It is the manager’s choice.
“Wherever he puts you, you play, I am happy to do it.
“I have not played there too many times.
“I was always a winger at Brighton but wherever the manager puts me I will do a job for the team.”
Sunderland remain in dire straits, propping up the Championship - five points from safety with only eight games remaining.
Manager Chris Coleman said last weekend’s game against Preston was another big opportunity missed because the Wearsiders kicked off knowing fourth-bottom Barnsley had lost and they could therefore cut the gap between themselves and the Tykes to just two points.
LuaLua added: “It is very frustrating, every week we are making a silly mistake.
“In a league this it is especially important, the players are big and physical.
“You have to keep your focus and do your job for 90 minutes.
“It is hard to correct it and it is not easy for me just to say we will bounce back.
“It is a tough place to be, you want to close the gap to two points.”