Tyias Browning believes the value of a good pre-season will enable Sunderland to hit the ground running at the season’s first whistle.
The Black Cats welcome Derby County to the Stadium of Light on Friday 4 August as the curtain lifts on their 2017-18 Sky Bet Championship season.
Games against Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United follow for Simon Grayson’s side in appears to be a challenging start for the Black Cats.
However, Browning, who became the club’s second summer signing last week when he penned his season-long loan along with Everton team-mate Brendan Galloway, has told safc.com he is revelling in the thought of getting stuck in.
“It is helpful (to know a few faces) because I have been with them at Everton for a couple of years,” he said.
“Hopefully they can help me settle in and get comfortable.
“I am excited to meet new faces and hopefully gel in and get started,” he continued.
“There is no easy game in the Championship and it is sometimes two games a week.
“I am sure the Lads are looking forward to getting stuck in.”