Michael Ledger has set his sights firmly on a return to winning ways when Sunderland under-23s resume their Premier League 2 campaign on Wednesday evening.
The young Black Cats host Derby County at the Stadium of Light (kick-off 7pm) keen to clinch their first league win in three games after defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City last month.
That was then followed by a Premier League Cup trip to Cardiff City before the lads returned to the north east to face Hartlepool United in a Checkatrade Trophy at Victoria Park.
While Ledger didn’t feature in the stalemate in Cardiff, the defender returned for the trip to Hartlepool and starred as Donald Love’s second-half strike earned the lads a slender victory.
Speaking to safc.com, Ledger admitted he has enjoyed gaining experience against Football League opposition and is now keen to help his team-mates seal three points on Wearside as they return to domestic action.
“We have had some good results this season and we played well on Tuesday against Hartlepool United,” he said.
“The win at Hartlepool got us back on track but we need to kick on again and look to pick up more points as soon as possible.
“Derby are going to come here and we know it’s going to be tough but we know it’s a game we should win.
“It’s a game we are expected to win and it’s all about being focused on our game and producing our best stuff to make sure we do win.”
He continued: “We have played two games in the Checkatrade Trophy and from our point of view it has given us a great chance to test ourselves against top drawer Football League opposition.
“It’s a chance to express ourselves and in the two games we have done that.”
