Sunderland suffered a 7-1 rout on Merseyside in November – their heaviest defeat for 25 years – on a day Higginbotham says was the worst of his career.

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So Everton visiting the Stadium of Light this Sunday for the rematch is being seen as a chance to ensure the Toffeemen come unstuck in return.

Everton arrive on Wearside in fifth place, looking to pip their city rivals Liverpool to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.

Sunderland meanwhile are 15th but desperate for points to move clear of the relegation zone.

And Manager Roy Keane's men can deal Everton's top four hopes a big blow – and improve their own chances of survival – if they can extend their run of four successive Premiership victories on home soil.

Higginbotham, who partnered Paul McShane in the centre of defence at Goodison Park, said: "We all know what happened at Everton – it was awful.

"It was the worst experience I have had in my career and to be honest it was one of those games you probably only get once in your career. I just wanted to wake up and find it was all a bad dream.

"But these things are sent to test you and the key is how you respond.

"I think the way we bounced back after that result with a win showed the character of everyone at the club – the players, the coaching staff, everyone.

"That trip to Everton was an awful day, but it is long gone now and we just have to make sure we never feel like that again.

"It's going to be a very difficult game on Sunday because Everton are going for fourth spot and Champions League qualification – and they've got a great opportunity to get it.

"But we just have to make sure we play to our strengths and if we do that then we'll cause them problems and hopefully get a positive result."

Higginbotham returned to the Sunderland side last weekend after a two-month injury lay-off with a broken toe. And with Danny Collins suspended, Higginbotham came in at left-back for the visit to doomed Derby.

Sunderland fought out a goalless draw at Pride Park and, while Michael Chopra had a goal wrongly chalked off for offside and Higginbotham almost snatched a last-minute winner against his former club, it was a disappointing day for the Black Cats.

"We were disappointed afterwards not to have taken the three points because we felt we had the better chances," he said. "A big decision went against us, too, with the disallowed goal which should have stood, but these things happen in football.

"You can't change things after the event, all we can do is look forward to the next game."

Collins is available again for the Everton game, meaning boss Roy Keane has a decision to make over whether to stick with Higginbotham at left-back or restore Collins to the role he has made his own this season.

"I came in at left-back at Derby and I enjoyed it," said Higginbotham.

"I've played there before but never for Sunderland, because Danny Collins has made that position his own and done very well there. There's a lot of competition but that's what football is all about. I think it's very important to have strength in depth."