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Gordon: Ready for fight

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Craig Gordon believes Sunderland must increase competition for places in the January transfer window.

The Black Cats are second from bottom in the Premier League after being thumped 4-0 at home by Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Roy Keane has stated his intention to strengthen the squad in the New Year and Gordon agrees that reinforcements are necessary.

Gordon, who has had to compete with Darren Ward for the goalkeeper's jersey this season, feels the players already at Sunderland would benefit from some new arrivals.

"The only way we're going to improve is to stick together and start winning matches," Gordon told the Hartlepool Mail.

"The dressing room is united and I know that with the backing we get from our fans, that will remain to be the case.

"It's no secret the manager wants to bring new players and the guys already here will need to step up and keep their place.

"It's great if we can add to our squad and increase the competition for every place on the pitch."

Big game

Gordon accepts that Sunderland are already in the midst of a relegation battle but feels there are several other teams involved.

Sunderland's next game is against Bolton, who have picked up more points than many of the struggling sides in recent weeks, and Gordon is hoping to drag them back down.

"Everyone talks about the fact there are lots of games in the Christmas period and there are a lot of points to be played for," he said.

"I think that the fight (for survival) is definitely on, especially at the Stadium of Light, where we'll try to get as many points as possible.

"Bolton is another big game and we look forward to that now.

"You look at the teams about you and think you have a good chance of taking points, especially at home.

"It will be a hard game, but we will be looking to get the win to try to get us out of the bottom three."