The Hungarian returns to Sunderland's starting line-up against Arsenal tomorrow after Craig Gordon suffered a break of his own – Spurs striker Jermain Defoe's boot snapping the Scotland keeper's arm.

Fulop has every sympathy for his wounded colleague, but now has the chance to prove himself all over again.

He started the season in the team before succumbing to an ankle injury, so knows how miserable Gordon feels.

"It's an awful experience to be playing well and enjoying your football, and then be out because of injury," said Fulop.

"I am sorry that Craig has got hurt, but I have my chance again now and I want to take it.

"I played the first three games of the season, but I was playing with the injury and finally I couldn't continue.

"Craig came in and did fine, so the manager did not change the team when I got fit again.

"I hope I can take my chance and prove myself, like I did last season when Craig was injured."

Fulop went on under difficult circumstances at Spurs 13 days ago, with Sunderland trailing to Robbie Keane's first-half opener.

And the former Tottenham keeper was soon picking Tom Huddlestone's thunderbolt from the back of his net.

He said: "Even if I started the game and was in top form, I don't think I would have saved that one because it was a great strike.

"That's football. Andy Reid had a great strike for us in the first half and it went wide off the post. Huddlestone hit one and it went in off the bar.

"I will be more prepared tomorrow than I was for Arsenal.

"It is easier and better to prepare for a game when you know you are playing, rather than going on as a sub and trying to pick up the rhythm of the game."

Arsenal arrive at the Stadium of Light on the back of a 13-game unbeaten run since they last suffered defeat at Manchester City on September 12.

The Gunners are the Premier League's top scorers with 36 goals in only 11 games, so is that a daunting prospect for Fulop & Co?

"It is a very hard game, but a great game to look forward to," said the Hungarian.

"Arsenal have always been known for being great going forward and scoring goals, but it was nice to get a clean sheet against them last season at the Emirates.

"If we do that again at home then we can win the game because we are good going forward.

"If I was an away team coming to Sunderland I would know it would always be a tough game because of our passionate crowd.

"But I also think we have a really good squad this season – the reinforcements the manager made were very good; the spine of the team is very solid."