The Senegal ace has barely featured since Sbragia replaced Roy Keane and is worried he is not part of the new manager's plans.

Diouf started Saturday's FA Cup third-round win over former club Bolton Wanderers, but that was his first appearance in a month.

"I need a proper chat with Ricky to find out what his plans are for me," said Diouf, who joined Sunderland six months ago. "I don't know how important he thinks I am.

Very honest

"I am just waiting to see what happens. I have already had a brief chat with him, but I want a longer conversation.

"I was very happy to play against my old team and the fact we won obviously made it much better. But I need to see what Ricky imagines me doing in the second half of the season.

"The bottom line is that I want to play and I have only been playing a little bit in recent weeks.

"I know Ricky very well because we worked together at Bolton and that's why I'm very honest with him and can tell him exactly what I want.

"Hopefully, he feels exactly the same and will tell me whether he needs me or not. I don't know what will happen, but if I'm picked for more games why shouldn't I stay? Certainly I have no regrets joining Sunderland and I want to be successful here."