LEE CAMP understands why he has been the subject of sustained criticism in the last few months, but the under-fire goalkeeper insists he still regards pulling on the Sunderland shirt as an immense privilege.

Camp joined Sunderland on loan from Cardiff City at the end of January, but found himself dropped to the substitutes’ bench after just five matches in the wake of an error-strewn performance in the derby draw with Middlesbrough.

He was out of the side for three games, but his exile proved short-lived as he replaced Jason Steele following his goalkeeping rival’s dismissal at QPR. He has started Sunderland’s six games since, although his performances have been far from watertight, with his fumble contributing to Reading’s opening goal in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at the Madejski Stadium.

All three of the Black Cats’ senior goalkeepers have produced error-strewn displays this season, and Camp understands why their collective failings have been highlighted as a key factor in the club’s struggles. Nevertheless, having been on the periphery of things at both Cardiff and Rotherham prior to moving to the Stadium of Light, the 33-year-old remains delighted to have made the switch to Sunderland.

“I needed to get out, play some games and end the chapter of my injury, and at the end of the day, this is Sunderland,” said Camp, whose loan deal is due to expire at the end of the season. “I’m not stupid, I know some of my performances haven’t been great and I’ve had to ride that wave after not playing for a while.

“I understand the criticism and that’s fine, that’s part and parcel of the job. But I’m pleased I’ve done it. It’s not every day you get an opportunity to play for a football club like Sunderland.

“A year ago, I was coming to the end of the season out of contract and not in a great physical condition with my knee and I’m lucky I got a move to Cardiff, then the opportunity to play for Sunderland. I consider myself very fortunate, and I don’t regret coming here because it doesn’t come every day.”

While Steele and Robbin Ruiter should really have been able to hit the ground running after joining Sunderland, Camp can at least point to a lack of action in the last 12 months as at least partial mitigation for some of his shakiness.

An injury during his time at Rotherham meant he did not make a single senior appearance in the second half of last season, and while Neil Warnock chose to take him to the Cardiff City Stadium last summer, he left Wales in January having failed to make a single league or cup appearance for the Bluebirds.

He was not Chris Coleman’s first choice in January – Andy Lonergan was set to join Sunderland from Leeds United before his transfer collapsed on deadline day – and while he might have made a mistake last weekend as he failed to hold on to Sone Aluko’s shot before bringing down Jon Dadi Bodvarsson as he scrambled to reach the rebound, he recovered to produce a couple of excellent saves to ensure the Black Cats left the Madejski Stadium with a point.

“I feel as if I’m starting to build a bit of momentum and I’m finding my sea legs under me, which was always going to take time,” he said. “I came out of the side and Jason’s had an opportunity, but since the manager’s put me back in he’s stuck with me, which I’m grateful for.

“The season is what it is, I can’t control that, but hopefully I can have a positive effect on the side in the coming weeks, whatever that may be. The bigger game is keeping the club in the Championship.”

That continues to look a forlorn ambition, with Sunderland heading into Saturday’s home game with fellow strugglers Burton Albion six points adrift of safety.

If the Black Cats were to lose at the weekend, they would be relegated if Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers were both to pick up at least a point. A more likely scenario is that they will be heading into their final away game at Fulham with relegation a strong probability, but Camp has not given up hope of an unlikely scramble to survival.

If Sunderland were to beat a Burton side that have only claimed one away victory since New Year’s Day, they would move to within three points of safety if either Birmingham or Bolton were to lose to Sheffield United or Wolves respectively.

“Saturday’s a tough game but if we play like we have done, we’ve got a hell of a chance of winning,” said Camp. “If we get ourselves a win, we then give ourselves a chance the next week of getting a result at Fulham and that’s all we can do. As long as there’s an opportunity we’ll keep fighting.

“It’s an honest group of lads and a manager, assistant manager and staff who care about things. Unfortunately the hard work that people don’t see hasn’t quite shown on the pitch. But I do believe momentum’s key and if we continue the way we are, whatever the future holds, we will be going into next season with a positive feel.”
 

Camp at disability coaching session


LEE Camp spent yesterday afternoon at a disability coaching session at Sandhill View Academy, in Sunderland, as part of a project run by the Foundation of Light and supported by BT Sport.

Along with Duncan Watmore and Kevin Ball, he helped coach youngsters suffering from hearing impairments and took part in a seven-a-side game.

He said: “It’s a great thing to do. You see the joy on their faces and the enthusiasm within the session, the kids are buzzing. It’s nice to come down and be a part of these things.

“I’m not too old that I can’t remember having people come from Derby County to my school when I was young. I remember what a great day that was. As soon as you heard they were coming, you were counting down the days and wondering who would show up.

“It’s been slightly different today with it being a day for disability coaching, but that gives you a greater appreciation of things because you don’t actually realise how much of a challenge in life they probably have, yet they would never moan about it, which I think is incredible. It’s been a really good experience.”

  • A short film highlighting the work of Sunderland’s Foundation of Light and the Premier League/BT Disability sport initiative airs on BT Sport on May 13 from 5.30pm.