Cats hoping to clinch Davenport deal

Apr 26 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

Davenport had to wait almost two months to make his debut for Sunderland, but has figured in four of the last five games – the exception being the Black Cats’ game against West Ham, when Premier League rules meant he was ineligible to play against his parent club.

Davenport has been a contender for man of the match in Sunderland’s last two games against Hull City and Manchester United, and Sbragia has been quick to sing his praises.

Sbragia said: “Calum’s been brilliant. He’s been patient and he has put pressure on the other centre-backs to stay on their toes and now he’s got his chance he has seized it with both hands.

“His height is a big asset – when you look at teams these days, most of the players are all 6ft-odd.

“So to have someone at the back who is 6ft 3in is great for us.”

Sunderland also signed Israel international defender Tal Ben-Haim on loan from Manchester City in January but, despite initially getting in the side ahead of Davenport, he has not made the same kind of impact and is likely to return to Eastlands at the end of the season.