Paddy McNair is focussed on one thing and one thing only between now and the end of the season – helping his team-mates win.
The Northern Ireland international has been reduced to the role of frustrated spectator over the last year, with a 2016-17 season-ending knee injury followed by more time on the sidelines after his November return.
Since then, the midfielder has focussed building his fitness to ensure he can play a part this campaign and, after featuring for the under-23s on two occasions, that time has arrived.
And ahead of the Black Cats’ midweek trip to Bolton Wanderers, McNair set out his ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
"I've had two set of minutes for the under-23s and it feels good to be getting back up to speed.
"I could have maybe played at Exeter and then been involved against Brentford, but they wanted me to get more minutes so I played against Manchester City and that was probably the best thing for me.”
He continued: "The staff have been great at the club – any problems I have had they have helped me – but I want all that to be in the past and hopefully I can get back to how I was on the pitch before all this started.
"My family and friends have kept me upbeat through the tough times and they’ve helped to take my mind off of football whuch does help, but, ultimately, I want to be out there playing so it's a great feeling to once again be able to do that.
"I want to help the team for the rest of the season and we have some big games coming up, and I want to be a part of it.
"It’s up to us to get ourselves out of the relegation zone, so we are all focused on doing that and I want to do the best I can when I play."