The 31-year-old former Liverpool and Sporting Lisbon centre-half, who moved to Wearside from Portugal during the summer, has endured a difficult start to his return to the Premiership as his new club struggles to shake off the depression which cost former boss Peter Reid his job.

But he heads for Bolton tonight revelling in the chance to remind a domestic audience of his ability, although he knows the Black Cats must start to drag themselves out of trouble soon if they are to avoid another relegation dogfight.

The game represents a meeting between the division's bottom two, and the Londoner knows it might not be very pretty.

'The three points are the most important thing,' he said. 'We can't say that it's going to be a festival of football because we're battling. We're working hard on the training pitch, we're trying to turn it around and things are looking good.

'It's never easy to play away from home, but it would be nice to come away with something - and I think we might do.'

Babb's personal landmark is the latest milestone in a career which has brought him honours both at home and abroad, and spells in the international limelight.

'Obviously playing the Wembley cup finals with Liverpool, the FA Cup and the League Cup, and signing for Liverpool was a great turning point for me,' he said.

'Playing in the World Cup as well with Ireland and my time winning the double in Portugal were tremendous for me.

'My CV is not bad, to be honest with you. I know a lot of people see me and think 'he's still knocking about' and `what's he doing playing in the Premiership still?' But I think I've done a good job wherever I've been.'

Babb always intended to return to the English top flight when he moved to Lisbon, and although the first few months at the Stadium of Light have been testing, he has no regrets.

'I always wanted to return to the Premiership, so that's something I was aiming for over in Portugal. When I signed the two-year deal over there, there was always an intention to come back. I know there were a lot of clubs that came over to watch me over there, which was good.

'It was always my intention to come back even though I had the offer to stay out there for another few years.'