THOMAS SORENSEN gave a glowing assessment of goalkeeping rival Jurgen Macho last night and insisted: "He can be as good as he wants."

In Sorensen's absence, Macho has emerged as a contender for Sunderland's player of the season with a string of top-class performances against Liverpool (twice) and Manchester United in particular.

Sorensen could replace Macho in today's FA Cup third round tie at Bolton Wanderers, almost exactly three months after shattering his elbow in Peter Reid's final game in charge at Arsenal.

But the Dane knows a recall this afternoon would be a temporary one after Macho banished the memories of his mistakes last season with a catalogue of superb displays.

Sorensen, who refused to comment on a possible move to Arsenal, said: "Jurgen can be as good as he wants.

"He works hard and has the right mentality, and they are things that very good goalkeepers possess.

"Confidence is a big thing in football and Jurgen has done well. He's suddenly found a bit of confidence he didn't have last season.

"I hope Jurgen keeps doing well. I just need to wait for my chance, and when I get it I have to try to take it.

"We've always supported each other. He's been there for me as well as me being there for him when one has needed help.

"We're competitors and we both want to play, but we're good friends off the field.

"We respect each other and help each other to do well. Ultimately, we're trying to help the team win, which is what we all want."

Sorensen, 28, admits he is still short of fitness after recovering from the dislocated elbow that opened the way for Macho to return to the side.

He added: "I need to do some more training with the first team. I feel fit but I'm not 100 per cent match fit.

"That's what I'm aiming to become over the next couple of weeks."

l Delroy Facey will complete his miraculous recovery from a life-threatening illness this afternoon when he is expected to make his full Bolton debut against Sunderland. Three months ago Facey was struck down with pneumonia shortly after joining the club from Huddersfield.

Facey once feared he would not live to see in the New Year - but now after a month of recuperation at Bradford he is set to be handed his first start by boss Sam Allardyce.

Facey admitted: ''There was a time when I thought I wasn't going to live.

''The doctors told me I was lucky to be alive with the serious illness which I had, and they were lucky they caught it when they did.

''One day I woke up and I was fine, and at five o'clock I was in hospital on my deathbed.

''But I'm mentally strong and this has helped me see life in a different perspective. I had to focus on getting better and playing again for Bolton Wanderers."

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