Although he does not feel he will figure again for Sunderland, he has taken the time to praise Roy Keane's managerial skills.
"My contract is up in the summer and so far there has been no talk of a new deal, but to be honest that's to be expected.
"The manager has other things on his mind at the moment. I can't really expect to stay on, if I am honest with myself. I haven't played for the team for six months now, they have done very well without me and I am the wrong side of 35, so I don't expect to be kept on here.
"I have been fit for a while now but the team have been doing so well, especially in defence, so the manager has no reason to change things.
"I am available for selection and I know I can do a job if I am asked to play in the few games we have left this season, but for now I'll have to watch from the sidelines.
"I'm not the only one. We have a squad of about 25 top-class players here and Roy can only pick 11 every week."