Tal Ben Haim says Black Cats can be lucky

Tal Ben Haim was eager to play his part in helping Sunderland climb away from the English Premier League relegation zone after joining the Black Cats on loan from top-flight rivals Manchester City.

His deadline day move on Monday saw the 26-year-old Israel international defender linking up again with Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia, who was a member of the coaching staff when Ben Haim played for Bolton Wanderers.

Ben Haim arrived too late to be registered in time for Wednesday’s FA Cup fourth round replay with Blackburn, which means he could now make his Sunderland debut in this Saturday’s league match at home to Stoke.

The Black Cats are currently four points above the bottom three following Sunday’s 1-1 derby draw with Newcastle and Ben Haim told Sunderland’s official website: “I’m happy to come here, play some football and help Sunderland achieve their targets.

“I know Ricky from Bolton and it will be good to work with him again,” he added. “Sunderland should be higher up in the table and I hope that will be the case over the next four months.”