McShane: We will survive
Paul McShane is confident Sunderland will climb away from danger with the return of key performers Dean Whitehead and Carlos Edwards.
The influential midfield pair could play alongside each other for only the third time this season when Sunderland visit Everton on Saturday.
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Whitehead has recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for three months and came through an hour in testing conditions against Chesterfield at the Academy of Light yesterday.
And Edwards did amazingly well against Newcastle last time out, his first game since the opening week of the season.
Defender McShane admits the loss of Nyron Nosworthy to a hamstring injury against Newcastle was a setback, but sees Sunderland building momentum if people can stay healthy.
The Irishman said: "It's good to see Deano back.
"He's a great player, gets around the pitch very well and could be important for us.
"With Carlos coming back, we're looking stronger and stronger, but it would be nice if people stopped dropping out.
"Carlos is important to us, too, because he's quick and his delivery into the box is excellent.
"I've not had too much of a chance to play in the same team with the lads since the season started because they picked up injuries, but they are important ones for us to have back."
McShane returned against Newcastle after serving a three-match ban for receiving a red card in the 3-2 loss at Arsenal on October 7.
Boss Roy Keane played the former Manchester United trainee at centre-back, but it will probably be between McShane and Greg Halford for right-back at Goodison Park on Saturday with Nosworthy injured.
Whitehead is a possibility, but Keane may prefer to have his influence in midfield.
McShane said: "Losing Nyron's disappointing.
"He's played every game so far and he's been doing well.
"It is going to be a bit of a loss, but we just have to carry on.
"We'll see what the gaffer does with the defence against Everton.
"No matter what he does, it's his shout on that and I'm happy either way.
"Centre-back is my strongest position, I think.
"I've played there most of my career, but I enjoy right-back as well.
"Carlos is a good player. He did well there in his first game back against Newcastle.
"I've played with him in training and he's good to play beside, but we'll wait and see."
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
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