Gordon finally sealed his drawn out deal this week for a fee which could rise to as much as $22million and will make his debut against Tottenham tomorrow provided he shakes off a shoulder injury.

The former Hearts man knows he will be watched closely as the most expensive British goalkeeper in history, but believes he will be able to shut the inevitable hype over his fee out of his mind.

Gordon said: "It's nothing to do with me but it's a lot of money and like it or not I'll probably have to carry it around with me.

"But the money clubs are paying for players in the Premier League is going up all the time.

"There are some massive transfer fees so even if it is a lot just now there will be a lot more bigger than this."

The Scotland international was being chased by a number of other clubs but said the Roy Keane factor played a big part in convincing him his future lay at the Stadium of Light.

Gordon added: "The facilities here are excellent and Roy is a good young manager.

"He told me about his ambitions and the future he sees for the club and what he has to say was great.

"I think you have to go into a season being as positive as you can and I don't think anyone would be happy just with survival. We are here to be as successful as possible in this league."

Apart from Gordon, Keane will also make a late check on hamstring victim Greg Halford before he finalises his line up for Saturday's season opener against Tottenham.

Keane said: "We have enjoyed our pre-season but we are ready to start the main business now.

"Tottenham expect to be in the top four this season so it is a massive challenge for us but we are ready.

"It is important we remain calm and focused. We deserve to be in the Premiership and hopefully we are going to make our mark on it. It is very important we get off to a good start."