Michael Ledger has revealed he feels fitter than ever ahead of the 2016-17 Premier League 2 season.
The defender missed the second half of last season through injury and only just managed to return to feature on the bench for Sunderland under-23s final game of the season, which saw them lose 3-1 at Tottenham Hotspur.
The youngster kept his head down over the summer though, and was rewarded as he stepped up to train with the first team during pre-season.
With a notable second-half display against Hartlepool United in the Lads' first friendly, Ledger continued to train with the senior squad and earned himself a place on the plane to France as Sunderland played a further three fixtures on foreign soil.
And now ahead of the under-23s curtain-raiser at home to Chelsea, Ledger has told safc.com he feels in the best shape of his life following a fitness-fuelled pre-season.
“It’s a fresh start for the team because a lot of the players we had last year have moved on,” he said.
“Some have moved up and some are still in the team so it’s a new start but we are looking to replicate last year, which will be tough.
“Pre-season has been excellent and getting the chance to go away with the first team was unexpected.”
He continued: “I loved every minute of it, the training was a lot more demanding and just in the few weeks I was with them I feel as though I have improved my game.
“I have learned a lot off the older players and the experience has been unbelievable, hopefully I can have more of that in the future.
“I missed a lot of last year so it was important I hit the ground running in pre-season and to be fair I feel as fit as I have ever felt really.”
Match info
Fixture: Sunderland U23s v Chelsea U23s
Ground: Eppleton Colliery Welfare
Date and kick-off: Sunday 14 August, kick-off 12.05pm
Entry: General admission for the game is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s while 2016-17 season card holders can gain free entry.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
