Donald Love is itching to return to action following the summer with his sights set on making a winning start to the 2017-18 season.
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Like the rest of us, the defender was frantically refreshing his phone at 8.59am on Wednesday morning to find out who was up first – and he wasn’t disappointed.
Friday night football will come to the Stadium of Light on 4 August as Derby County travel to Wearside, and like Sunderland the Rams will be aiming to put down an early marker.
But speaking to safc.com, Love revealed he's confident the Lads can start as they mean to go on.
“It’s great to be at home on the opening day and we’ll be aiming to start with a win,” said the defender.
“We want to show the fans that we’re up for the fight in the Championship, and there’s always an added edge playing under the floodlights so we’re all looking forward to it.”
He continued: “It’s also on TV so we can show everybody what we’re about and put down an early marker.
“Derby are a good side and we face some big clubs in the first few games, but like I said that gives us a chance to show what we’re about and show we’re one of the top teams in the division.
“We’re back next week and everything will be focussed towards making sure we start with a win.”
