Brazilian defender Emerson Thome has pledged his future to Sunderland as he attempts to force his way into Mick McCarthy's plans.
The 31-year-old former Sheffield Wednesday and Chelsea player has made just one appearance for the club in the last 16 months as a succession of knee injuries has left him facing an uphill battle to save his career.
However, Thome, who will have 12 months left on his contract when a disastrous season finally draws to a close, has vowed to do all he can to impress McCarthy in the few remaining weeks of the campaign.
Despite his lack of action - he has played just 44 Premiership games since making his then club record move to the Stadium of Light from Chelsea in September 2000 - Thome is determined to make the cut.
"The new manager seems to be a great man and a very decent person," he said. "He will be speaking to all the players once he has had time to see everyone and decide what he wants to do.
"I still have another year left on my contract and I want to see it out. But it isn't up to me, it's up to other people to decide what to do.
"I have always tried my best for the club and when I have played, I have never let Sunderland down. I have always given 100 per cent effort," he said.
"My only aim now is to get as many games in as I can between now and the end of the season. I want to challenge for a chance to get back in the first team".
PA