Jones must stay focused

Ricky Sbragia is hoping the recent transfer speculation surrounding Kenwyne Jones does not unsettle the Sunderland striker. Jones this month has been repeatedly linked with a big-money move to Totenham - and yesterday Spurs boss Harry Redknapp confirmed that the London club had enquired about the Black Cats frontman.

But Sunderland have said that they don't want to sell one of their prize assets and Sbragia, the manager, is upset at the way Spurs have gone about their business.

The Sunderland boss told SAFC TV: "They [Tottenham] have enquired about him [Jones] but it's the methods they use that are disappointing.

"A lot has appeared in the papers but the main concern is that it does not get into the player's head and that his performances for us don't dip.

"On many occasions we've said no to Spurs. We spoke to Kenwyne on Friday and he's happy here.

"We asked him if the situation had been a problem and he said no. He has never shown once that he doesn't want to be here."

Jones was on the bench for yesterday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Blackburn, a game that ended 0-0.

The Trinidad striker is set to return to Sunderland's starting line-up for Tuesday's Barclays Premier League game against Fulham at the Stadium of Light (7.45pm).