Kieran Richardson was only half-fit when he took to the field against Portsmouth on Sunday, yet still managed to score two first-half goals to ensure Sunderland moved level on points with relegation rivals Bolton, Wigan and Birmingham.

Will his return to the team now help the Black Cats clamber out of the drop-zone and even finish higher up the Premier League than arch-rivals Newcastle?

The former Manchester United midfielder has been in this position before; he was loaned out to Bryan Robson’s West Brom from Old Trafford three seasons ago and played a vital role in the Baggies' miraculous recovery, including the goal that assured them victory in the emotional final game of the season. Their opponents that day? Portsmouth once again. Just what has young Kieran got against the south-coast club?

'The way that Richardson took his two goals against Pompey hints towards a brighter future for the north-east club'


Richardson has spent four frustrating months on the sidelines this season, recovering from a spinal injury. However, he demonstrated at the weekend (imagine what he’ll be like when he’s fit!) why manager Roy Keane was prepared to spend £5.5 million to bring the player to the Stadium of Light in the summer. Amongst other things, the former West Ham trainee brings an injection of pace to the Sunderland team, a quality which is vital in the high-tempo matches of top-flight English football.

The way that Richardson took his two goals against Pompey hints towards a brighter future for the north-east club, especially the way the midfielder conjured his brilliant second goal just before the interval. With Kenwyne Jones acting as an awkward but effective holding man, drawing defenders towards him like moths towards a light bulb, the 23-year-old and his fellow attackers should have plenty of opportunities to find space to improve Sunderland’s current goal-a-game ratio in the Premier League.

Fans of the Wearside club have every right to feel confident of survival this season, especially if Keane’s men can nick a couple of wins away from home. It also won’t have escaped their notice that a familiar foe sit just six points ahead of them in the Premier League table.

Surely nothing would make the season sweeter for supporters than to see their team above Newcastle after their final match against Arsenal on May 11. Especially if they’re in 17th place and the Magpies are occupying the third relegation berth if the Second Coming fails to deliver!