BRAZILIAN centre-back Emerson Thome is ready to relaunch his Sunderland career after emerging from a "nightmare'' year, writes Clive Hetherington.

Thome, who sat out nearly all of last season with serious knee problems, knows he faces a new challenge following the arrival of versatile defender Phil Babb on a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon.

Jody Craddock, Joachim Bjorklund, Stanislav Varga and youngster Ben Clark are also vying for places in the Black Cats' defence.

Thome, the club's joint £4.5m record signing, admitted: "It's probably the most competitive area of the team, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and the fight to play.

"After the frustrations of last season I just want to start playing again. The last 12 months were a bit of a nightmare - the worst in my football career.

"But the injury has cleared up and I'm raring to go. I'm only 30 and feel I have a few good years in me yet."

l Former Sunderland target Kenny Cunningham yesterday completed his move to Birmingham on a four-year contract.

He said: ''There were a number of reasons for my move but the main one was Premiership football. It was an opportunity that was too good to turn down.''

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