Bardsley determined to keep place

Bardsley joined Sunderland from Manchester United in January

Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has warned French rival Pascal Chimbonda he faces a fight in his attempt to regain his place in the first team.

Bardsley, 23, lost his place to the former Tottenham full-back but has forced his way back into the side following the 5-0 defeat by Chelsea.

"I have been doing things right, training well and been enjoying my football," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"There's no reason I can't carry on doing that and keep my place."

The Salford-born defender joined Sunderland from Manchester United for £2m in January 2008, forging a reputation as a tough and dependable player as he helped the Wearsiders to Premier League safety.

And Bardsley is hopeful that with almost a year at the Stadium of Light under his belt, he can avoid being dragged into another relegation battle this season.

"We have to look forward to keep progressing, keep playing like we have been and put that into the full 90 minutes," he said.

"We've got a squad with strength in depth, if we get tired legs the manager's got a very good bench he can bring on with good options."