The Black Cats can’t wait to sink their teeth into pre-season matches following an intense training camp in Austria, according to Duncan Watmore.
On Wednesday evening Sunderland are back in action for the first time since a final-day draw against Watford at Vicarage Road, with local side Hartlepool United posing the first test at Victoria Park.
A trip to Rortherham United follows before the Black Cats once again depart for warmer climes, with a one-week spell in France providing the bulk of their pre-season schedule.
And speaking to safc.com, Watmore revealed that he can’t wait to get back out there.
“It’s always nice to play games,” said Watmore. “You can do as much running as you want but match fitness is something completely different, but our sessions have been aimed at getting ready for that.
“By the end of pre-season we will be raring to go.”
He continued: “We’re playing different teams in different countries and the final game against Dortmund will be a great test, but some of the lower league teams in England will also provide a test because they’re always well prepared and well up for it.
“Every game is a fantastic opportunity for us because we’re playing a different variety of teams and I think that’s what you need.
“We will prepare right and we’re looking forward to it.”
