Sunderland star aims for top 10 finish ahead of Fulham trip
Sunderland's Frazier Campbell (left) and Bolton Wanderers Martin Petrov battle for the ball
FRAIZER Campbell insists Sunderland’s hopes of a top 10 finish remain alive despite their failure to beat three of the bottom six.
The Black Cats head to Craven Cottage on Sunday a point adrift of 10th placed West Brom and four shy of ninth placed Fulham.
Successive draws against Wolves, Aston Villa and Bolton have hampered Sunderland’s hopes of a second successive finish in the top half of the Premier League table.
And with Fulham suffering just four home defeats all season and Sunderland facing title-challenging Manchester United on the final day of the season, Martin O’Neill’s men may come to regret their inability to take maximum points from last month’s meetings with the top flight’s strugglers.
But Campbell, expected to continue on the right-hand side of midfield on Sunday, says the top 10 remains a realistic goal, even though Fulham’s win at Liverpool on Tuesday night gave has given Martin Jol’s men some breathing space from the bottom half.
Campbell told SportMail: “To be fair, I think we’ve played well in the last couple of games, but a few mistakes have cost us.
“I don’t think the chance has gone to get a top 10 place because it’s still very tight.
“One win gets you right up there, particularly if results go for you.
“Fulham will be on a high after getting a 1-0 win at Liverpool the other night.
“We always knew it would be difficult going down there with their home record, but now it is doubly so.
“It will be tough for us, but we want to finish the season well.”
Campbell is one of a five-man former Manchester United contingent, who will inevitably come under scrutiny next week before the title race concludes.
But the 24-year-old has shrugged off the focus which will come on him, along with John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson, prior to the final day.
“We could still be going for eighth by then and they will be hoping that the title has not been decided,” added Campbell.
“They might have to score a few against us too if goal difference comes into it.
“There’s a lot of ex-Man U players here and I’m sure a lot will be made of that.
“But we’re at Sunderland now so that doesn’t come into it.”
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Weather for Peterlee
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 30 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 9 C
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