Dwight Yorke - Reuters

SUNDERLAND, England (CMC):

Trinidad & Tobago's World Cup star Dwight Yorke said this week he was keen on helping English Championship Sunderland gain promotion to the Premiership.

At 35, the former Manchester United striker is in the twilight of his career but said he believed he could use his experience to lift the 11th place north-east England side.

"Hopefully, I can play my part in trying to get Sunderland promotion," said Yorke, who signed a two-year deal with Sunderland at the start of the season.

"It's been a little bit up and down but we're trying to find some consistency. Although we think we should have got more points, we'd have taken being at this stage right now after where we were three or four months ago.

"There are signs of progress. I'm sure when everyone's up and running, and when the competition for places becomes more intense, that will make the whole team better."

Yorke has had a mixed career in recent years. After leaving United in 2002, he had troubled spells at Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City, before moving to Sydney FC in the Australian A-League.

Inaugural title

He spent one year there, helping his side to the inaugural title before returning to join Sunderland during the summer.

Trinidad & Tobago's captain during the World Cup campaign in Germany, Yorke said the break from the English game helped him recharge his batteries.

"Don't forget I played at the top level for 16, 17 years," Yorke pointed out.

"That was a long time and I needed a change. Sydney provided me with that. But coming back here was no problem. The gaffer brought me back and I was very flattered about that."

Competition at Sunderland under coach Roy Keane has been tough, with Yorke being forced to spend several games on the bench.

He has managed, however, to force his way back into the starting line-up on occasions and said he had no problem fighting for his place.