Ferdinand has made 12 appearances this season

Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand has put his recent impressive form down to feeling 'needed' at the Stadium of Light this campaign.

The 25-year-old has re-established himself in the Sunderland first team despite being left out of their squad list at the start of the season.

"It's nice to know that I'm a big part of the team at the moment and needed," Ferdinand told BBC Newcastle.

"It breeds confidence into a player, and that's what it's doing to me."

Ferdinand has made 12 appearances for the Black Cats this season since making a first start against Colchester in August.

And the former West Ham United defender could be find himself part of a makeshift back four for the trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day.

Ghana international John Mensah hobbled off early in Saturday's 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers to join fellow defenders Michael Turner and Titus Bramble on the club's injury list.

"That could be three key centre-halves we're without next week, but that's football," Ferdinand continued.

"I don't know why it is with this club, we had this problem last year with centre-halves, but we've got to get on with it and be professional.

"Whoever is picked to play will have to come in and do their job."

Manager Steve Bruce has Paraguay international Paulo Da Silva in his squad, as well as on-loan Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha who can also cover at the centre of defence.

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