Jason Denayer has revealed he is enjoying life on Wearside as he strives to return to full fitness.
The 21-year-old penned a season-long loan at Sunderland and joined David Moyes’ side on transfer deadline day in August.
Despite his youthful age, the defender moved to the north east with a wealth of experience having enjoyed successful spells with Scottish Premier League champions Celtic and Turkish giants Galatasaray.
But while injury, sustained on international duty, kept the young Belgian start sidelined for a month, Denayer made his return at Bournemouth last Saturday as the Black Cats secured a vital three points.
The 21-year-old then feature in Wednesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy victory over Notts County, and speaking to safc.com, the youngster admitted it feels great to be back and has now set his sights on helping the team climb the Premier League.
"I think it’s important to get as much game time as I can because I enjoy football,” he said.
“It’s what I love doing and it’s what I am feeling when I am coming back from injury - I just love playing.
“Bournemouth wasn’t an easy game but it was great to come back and help the team to get three points. But it's important we build on that now."
He continued: “It’s not easy to move on loan to different teams but everybody has been really good, the staff, the players and all the supporters.
“I have nothing to complain about and I just want to work hard, be in the team every week and I’m very happy and enjoying my time here at Sunderland.”