The 24-year-old became Britain's most expensive goalkeeper when he completed his big-money move from Hearts during the summer, but found himself sitting on the substitutes' bench for the 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Derby just 14 games into his career on Wearside.

Manager Roy Keane asked Darren Ward to take over against the Rams following the 7-1 defeat at Everton, and he then kept his place for the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.

However, while the Scotland international did not expect to miss out so soon, he has vowed to make Ward's stay a short one.

He said: "It was disappointing to get dropped. If you are fit, you want to play - I'm no different to anyone else in the squad in that respect.

"The game before [Everton] was very disappointing for everyone at the club and the manager decided he was going to make some changes - I was one of them.

"I have got to try to get myself back in the team. You have got to pick yourself up and get on with it.

"I have thought a lot about it, but you cannot let it get you down, you have got to bounce back, and the only way you can do that is by doing your best in training every single day."

Ward, 33, took full advantage of his chance by keeping the club's first clean sheet since the opening day of the season against Derby on what was a difficult day for Gordon.

However, there was never any chance of a split in the goalkeepers' union.

Gordon said: "I wished Darren all the best when he went in. I train with Darren every day and I want him to do well. We are all in this together.

"The Derby game held mixed emotions for me. I would be lying if I said I was happy not to be out there when we beat Derby.

"It was a game we had to win, no matter what, and we got that win.

"I was happy for the lads and for the supporters because it was a vital victory, but obviously you want to be involved in games like that."

Gordon will hope his second chance comes on Saturday as Aston Villa head for the Stadium of Light with three more precious points up for grabs.

He told the club's official website, www.safc.com: "We are looking forward to Saturday's game and hopefully we can keep our decent record at home going.

"We have done reasonably well at the Stadium of Light and managed to pick up a few points.

"The fans are vital - they have a lot to do with the fact that we are decent at home.

"The supporters really helped us through it against Derby and I'm sure they will do the same against Villa - and I hope to be involved."

Meanwhile, midfielder Dickson Etuhu has been questioned by police over an incident at a Norwich nightclub last weekend.