Commitment no issue - Whitehead

Whitehead was linked with a move to Premier League rivals Hull City

Sunderland midfielder Dean Whitehead has said he will not be looking to avoid a yellow card in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers.

The 27-year-old will miss the Premier League derby with Newcastle if he is booked but is adamant there will be no let-up in his tackling during the game.

"You don't want to miss the derby, but if you get booked you miss the game," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"If the manager plays me on Saturday, I won't pull out of any challenges."

The Abingdon-born midfielder has been linked with a move to Hull City, although manager Ricky Sbragia is determined to retain his captain at the Stadium of Light.

And Whitehead himself admitted it is a plus and relief to be wanted by the new manager at Sunderland and is keen to repay that faith on the field.

"It's obviously nice for managers to be interested in buying you," he said.

"But it's also nice for the club that I play for, having the manager come out and say that he wants to keep me and it's given me confidence.

"It doesn't bother me [when fans give him abuse] I just get on with the next game, but it's nice to feel wanted."