Stead sparked by ex-factorJON STEAD hopes the ex-factor will help him plunder a first Sunderland goal at former club Blackburn...more » Mick: Now let's give Blackburn a real frightMICK McCarthy has called on his players to build on the Boxing Day point gained against Bolton Wande...more » Gray: I just can't waitMICHAEL Gray faces hometown club Sunderland for the first time tonight admitting: "I don't k...more » Show us some respectSTEVE CALDWELL says Bolton's team selection provided Sunderland with the extra motivation to end...more » Point gives Mick heartCHAMPAGNE football it was not....more » McCarthy thrilled to have Kyle in trainingSUNDERLAND striker Kevin Kyle has now returned to training, giving manager Mick McCarthy a massive p...more » Bassila happy to stay busyCHRISTIAN Bassila says he is looking forward Sunderland's game against Bolton Wanderers on Boxin...more » JON STEAD Stead sparked by ex-factor JON STEAD hopes the ex-factor will help him plunder a first Sunderland goal at former club Blackburn Rovers tonight. And Rovers boss Mark Hughes, who sanctioned the striker's 1.8million summer move to Wearside, backed Stead to come good for the Black Cats.

And he would love to break his duck this evening, admitting: "I've been saving it for them - I'd love to think that. It would be great to score at Ewood Park."

"I wanted to get to the top - the Premiership - as soon as possible and Blackburn gave me the chance to do it. Career wise, it was the right decision.

"Things did not go as well as I'd have liked last season, I was not playing or scoring. It was disappointing and you know when it's time to leave.

"I didn't ask to leave, Blackburn accepted bids and it gave me the chance of a change and joining a good club like Sunderland was the right move. I'm still friends with a lot of the players and staff there.

"I was there with Michael Gray and I still speak to him. He's done well this season, he's back in the side and playing well; I'm pleased for him.

"I sent text messages to a lot of them (Blackburn players) wishing them a happy Christmas and New Year but it's down to business and we'd love to win."

Sunderland ended their nine-game league losing streak with a goalless home draw against Bolton on Boxing Day with Stead taken off 20 minutes from the end.

Blackburn boss Hughes insists he was right to sell former fans' favourite Stead, a move that was not popular at Ewood, despite the striker's meagre goal return last term.

Stead had preserved Rovers' Premiership status almost single handedly after joining from Huddersfield, but was less successful when Hughes replaced Newcastle-bound Graeme Souness and was sold as the Welshman set his sights on Magpie outcast Craig Bellamy.

"We had a good offer for Jon and I knew there was a possibility of bringing Craig to the club, so it was a footballing decision and that's the one I made.

"Once he does that, he'll be fine but he's obviously having a little bit of a difficult time at the moment, along with the rest of his team-mates.

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