BRAZILIAN defender Emerson Thome concedes he is playing for his future at Sunderland in tonight's Worthington Cup fourth-round tie with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Like Black Cats' boss Howard Wilkinson, who spent five years in charge at Sheffield Wednesday, former Hillsborough stopper Thome knows the knives will be out for him on his return to the steel city.

Wilkinson will rely on a similar side to the one that triumped 3-2 at Arsenal in the last round of the competition.

And that means Thome will figure for only the second time this season.

Two knee operations have pushed the 30-year-old centre-back down the pecking order, and left him "frustrated'' and "disappointed'' with his lot at the Stadium of Light.

But he is determined to make the most of his chance when he does battle at Bramall Lane for the first time in his career.

Thome, a club record £4.5m signing when Wilkinson's predecessor Peter Reid lured him from Chelsea just over two years ago, said: "There's a new manager, he's the boss and he makes the decisions.

"Unfortunately, I haven't been part of the first team in the League this season, but I've worked hard to get back.

"It has been frustrating because, in the past, I've been involved all the time when I've been fit. It's disappointing, but I have to respect the gaffer's decision.

"I have 18 months left on my contract and my aim is to stay here, play as long as I can and do my best for the club.

"I just want to get another 90 minutes under my belt. I don't think I have a point to prove. The manager has seen me in training and I'm sure he's been watching the reserves as well.

"I'm delighted to be playing again - it's a big chance for me. I've had a few knocks on the chin with the injuries I've had, but I've managed to stay strong and come back.

"I just want to show what I have been showing in this country for the past four years.

"If in future I have to change clubs, then I will do that, but that's not something I have to decide now.''

Thome is aware that he will be a target for the Blades' boo boys, but added: "It doesn't bother me if I get a bit of stick.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game because they have been doing very well in the League.

"We were the underdogs against Arsenal, now things are turned around and they will see us as a scalp.''

Wilkinson, who handed a first senior Sunderland start to front-runner Michael Proctor and a full debut to right-back Mark Rossiter at Highbury, confirmed: "It'll be a similar group of players to the one that went to Arsenal.

"The players who got that result feel they would like to be part of this tie. I think it's the best thing for the club given our injuries, particularly in midfield.''

Neil Warnock's Blades, who knocked out Leeds in the last round, are sixth in the First Division.

And Wilkinson, treading warily back in his home city tonight, warned: "Sheffield United will be flying. It's a big game for them and they are on a good run.

"It's like going into enemy territory for me. I've been there a few times and never lost, so hopefully we can preserve that run.

"I'll get a warm welcome - if not hot and spicy!''

Marcus Stewart, whose four Sunderland goals have come in their two Worthington Cup games, is set to renew the attacking link-up with Kevin Kyle which worked so effectively at Arsenal.

With on-loan Mart Poom cup-tied after appearing for Derby County, Jurgen Macho will continue in goal. Craig Turns, 20, who was substitute keeper against Arsenal, is on the bench again.

United also have two players ineligible in Steve Kabba and Middlesbrough's Dean Windass.

But Wilkinson stressed: "They have experience with the likes of Peter Ndlovu and Stuart McCall.''

Wilkinson, meanwhile, confirmed he still has no money to spend when the transfer window opens in the new year, despite his side's parlous Premiership position.

He said: "There's no point looking through the window; you have to be able to go in and buy - unless there's a buy-one-get-one-free deal going, and I have the get-one-free half!''

Wilkinson also insists he has no immediate plans to add to his backroom team. "We had a meeting with all the staff and told them we have a busy few weeks ahead,'' he said. "Up to now we've coped, and we'll cope until such time as I make a decision.

"Who do you think I'm going to bring in - Houdini?''

Dutch sources claim Ajax director of youth Kees Zwamborn could arrive to oversee the running of Sunderland's Academy of Light.

* John Oster's loan spell at Grimsby has been extended for a further month.

* Sunderland have offered a trial to Albion Rovers' highly-rated keeper Scott Shearer, 21

Sunderland's home reserve game against Birmingham City tomorrow has been postponed and will now be played next April.

Read more about Sunderland here.