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Steed sets Cup target
Sunderland, 11:48, September 23, 2008 ,
Steed Malbranque feels Sunderland's best chance of reaching Europe will come in the cups and is targeting a return to Wembley.
The France international won the Carling Cup with Tottenham last season and is now eyeing a long run in this year's Cup competitions with Sunderland.
The Black Cats are yet to play at the new Wembley - their last success the national stadium came in the 1973 FA Cup final, while their last major cup final appearance came back in 1992 when they lost in the final to Liverpool.
But Malbranque believes Sunderland can challenge for honours this season, telling the Echo: "This is a big competition and a way into Europe so we want to do well.
"Getting to Wembley last season was a great experience. Not many players get to do that. It is probably too much for us to think we can get into Europe next season from the league, so the cup is an opportunity for us."
The midfielder added: "We have a strong squad and if we play well we can be in the next round.
"The Sunderland fans I have met have been good to me and we all want to give them something special."