Ahmed Abdelkader has admitted it was a simple decision to sign for Sunderland this summer.
The Algerian stopper joined the Black Cats last week after a spell in Cyprus with NAD Polis Chrysochous.
Providing Anthony Patterson with competition in Elliott Dickman’s under-23 squad, Abdelkader, 20, adds options between the sticks following the departure of Robbin Ruiter and Max Stryjek.
Speaking to safc.com for the first time since putting pen to paper on a one-year deal, Abdelkader shared his delight to get his first taste of English football.
“Sunderland is a good club for me to progress myself,” he said.
“It was a good choice for myself and a simple decision to make. At Sunderland, I have a great chance to progress. I have to work hard but I have a great chance.
“When I was in Cyprus it was tough. I learnt a lot because I played against adults all the time in the first team.
“I know what to expect and hopefully that will help me settle in over here.”
He continued: “I’ve been lucky enough to train in and around the first team so far and it has been good. If I am good then I’m sure I will have a chance to keep training there.”
