Tainio not Finnished yet with the Cats!

Aug 30 2009 by James Hunter, Sunday Sun

TEEMU TAINIO is hoping his Carling Cup exploits will help force him into Steve Bruce’s Premier League plans – and keep him fit for Finland.

The former Spurs midfielder made his first appearance of the season - and scored a rare goal, his first for the Black Cats – in Sunderland’s 4-1 cup win at Norwich on Monday night.

The 29-year-old is hoping his performance at Carrow Road will press his case for a first league start since the final day of last season – as well as keep him in the frame for Finland’s vital World Cup qualifying double-header over the next fortnight.

He said: “It was nice to be involved at Norwich and score a goal.

“It is not easy when you are out of the team and having to watch from the sidelines.

“I only played for more than an hour once in pre-season, so this was only the second time I had done so for almost four months.

“I was OK in the first half, but I got a bit tired in the second and that is why the manager took me off.