Fulop has played 18 of the last 19 league games

Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia believes competition for places has been the key to the emergence of goalkeeper Marton Fulop this season.

Fulop, 25, has been first choice since injury to Craig Gordon in October, and his form since then prompted Sbragia to award him a new three-year-deal.

"The more games you play the better you become," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"He's kept Craig out because of his performances and his work ethic and deserved the contract as well."

Fulop joined Sunderland from Tottenham as part of a deal that took Ben Alnwick the other way in January 2007.

The players Sbragia inherited from former manager Roy Keane have spoken publicly of the impact the Scot has had in the dressing room.

And he believes having faith and trust in his players is a key part of managing the club.

"I can't go in there and tell them off because they make decisions," he said.

"They're on the pitch, they see it and they make the decisions, and I've always said to them there are areas of the pitch where they can take risks.

"What you see, you do, and stand by it."

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