The Trinidad & Tobago international is currently on the books of the troubled Black Cats, but is far from a first-team regular at the Stadium of Light.

Slipping back into midfield has helped to prolong the 37-year-old's career, but there are those who feel it is time for him to hang up his boots.

However, having enjoyed a glittering 19-year career, the former Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn and Birmingham man is adamant that he can still handle the cut and thrust of life in the Premier League.

"It's good to be playing again and good to be involved," he said following his recent return to the Black Cats fold.

"They need a bit of stability in there."

Yorke was taken to Wearside by his former Old Trafford team-mate Roy Keane and admits he was disappointed to see the Irishman relinquish the Sunderland hot-seat last week.

"I'm very grateful for the fact he brought me to the club but at the same time I'm very sad to see him go," he added.

"I genuinely believe he could have turned things round, but for whatever reason he decided not to.

"Roy is his own man and he makes his own decisions but we have to crack on as players and carry on playing football."

Sunderland sit third from bottom in the top-flight table and have lost six of their last seven fixtures.