The former Gillingham centre-back made 29 Premier League starts in 2007/8 and was widely hailed as one of the Black Cats' star performers in their first season back in the big time.

However, Roy Keane has made no secret of his disappointment at the club's 15th-place finish in the table and plans to overhaul his squad this summer.

Defenders such as Manchester City's Republic of Ireland international Richard Dunne are being touted for transfers to the Stadium of Light, and Nosworthy is sure to find increased competition on Wearside next season.

But he told the Sunderland Echo: "That is the pressure of playing in the Premier League.

"If you don't perform, then changes will be made.

"If you're not doing what you should be doing, there is always someone biting at your ankles and ready to come in and replace you.

"It's a good pressure for all of us to have.

"We know we should be going for the top 10 next season.

"Firstly, let's not be dragged into a relegation battle, but we are well capable of making it into the top 10.

"But we're not kidding ourselves.

"There are probably a few teams thinking the same, although we've got to be among the favourites."