John Mensah hoping to retain place

John Mensah

Ghana defender John Mensah is hoping to retain his place in the Sunderland starting lineup at Wigan after impressing against Arsenal last week.

The deputy Black Stars captain played a key part as Sunderland took all three points against Arsenal and became the first side to stop the Gunners from scoring this season.

But Mensah is not guaranteed a place for the trip to Wigan with Michael Turner back after serving suspension. Sunderland manager Steve Bruce admits that gives him a selection headache and Mensah is confident he can be relied upon at the JJB.

“Our manager has a difficult decision to make this weekend, but that is a decision which is only up to him", he said “The players do not choose the team so we should not concern ourselves with that.

“It is up to us to make the decision as difficult a one as possible for him by playing to high standards, and I think we have done that. I hope I stay in the side, and if I am asked to start the game then I will be ready.

“If I do not start and I am named among the substitutes that will not affect me. I will still believe that I am good enough to start – that is the mentality you have to have if you are on the bench – and if you have that mentality, then if you are asked to come on, you are ready. The important thing is whoever does starts on Saturday, plays well.”