Yorke eager to continue playing

Yorke has made just five appearances for Sunderland this season

Sunderland veteran midfielder Dwight Yorke has admitted he is keen to play his part in the club's bid for Premier League survival.

Yorke, 37, made just his fifth appearance of the season in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Manchester United but was delighted to be back in the side.

"They need a bit of stability in there," the temporary assistant manager told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"It's good to be playing again and good to be involved."

The Trinidad and Tobago international's arrival at the Stadium of Light in August 2006 was triggered by the presence of his former Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane, who stepped down as Sunderland manager last week.

Yorke expressed his disappointment at the Irishman's decision to depart, and believes Keane was capable of restoring the Wearsiders to a safe position in the top flight.

"I'm very grateful for the fact he brought me to the club but at the same time I'm very sad to see him go," he added.

"I genuinely believe he could have turned things round, but for whatever reason he decided not to.

"Roy is his own man and he makes his own decisions but we have to crack on as players and carry on playing football."

Yorke enjoyed his most successful spell of his career with Manchester United following a �12m move from Aston Villa, winning European and domestic honours with the club.

He also had spells with Blackburn, Birmingham and Australian side Sydney FC before arriving at Sunderland.

They currently lie 18th in the Premier League, with 15 points from 16 games, but are just five points behind Bolton in 10th.