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CRAIG Gordon refuses to believe Sunderland were gift-wrapped three points last weekend because Aston Villa had nothing to play for.

The Sunderland goalkeeper kept his fourth clean sheet in the last eight games and insists Roy Keane's side were worthy of their first away win at the 16th attempt this season.

Villa's performance was in sharp contrast to their 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last month and, with only fifth place guaranteeing UEFA Cup football next season, they appear to have little to play for.

Sunderland face West Ham this weekend with the East London side in a similar position to Villa, but Gordon insists the Sunderland players expect no favours from any teams in the Premier League.

"I'm not sure these teams will think they have nothing to play for," said Gordon, who was close to a £9m switch to Villa before signing for Sunderland.

"This is the Premier League, everyone wants to win every game. They'll all have their own reason for wanting to win the games and we'll have ours.

"It's up to us to perform and to be as committed and determined as we were at Villa Park to get the three points and continue that for the rest of the season."

Gordon admits the overwhelming emotion was one of relief at Villa Park, with the players all keen to share the victory with the away fans.

The Wearside supporters, as well as the players, have been waiting since August to witness an away success, and appeared as relieved as the players.

Gordon said: "It was a big relief to finally get that first away win, you could see that by the boys' reaction at the end.

"It's been a long time coming but it was a good result and a handy three points when you saw the rest of the results.

"It's definitely a boost for us.

We've got some very difficult games coming up and we have to knuckle down and get a few more results like Saturday's to make sure we're OK. But Villa was a good start and it's something for us to build on."

Kenwyne Jones missed out at the weekend after picking up a virus and Keane admitted his absence may have helped his team's cause.

Sunderland were more inclined to play the ball on the floor rather than look to play it long to the head of Jones and the £6m signing from Southampton is not guaranteed to start this weekend's game against the Hammers.

"Kenwyne was unfortunate - he'd have played if he hadn't been ill but I'm sure he'll get himself back fit," said Gordon.

"Maybe now he'll have a hard time getting his place back."

Gordon is in line to win his 30th international cap as Scotland face Croatia in a friendly at Hampden Park tomorrow, the first under new boss Craig Burley.

The former Hearts player will be keen to impress the new national boss and improve on what he sees as Scotland's poor record in friendlies Gordon said: "Our record in friendlies hasn't been very good over a number of years now and it's something we'd like to put right and continue where we left off in the last campaign.

"I'm sure a lot of things won't change (under George Burley) because it's been very successful in recent years. I think it will continue along relatively similar lines and he'll try and get us to the next major finals."

9:21am Tuesday 25th March 2008

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