Michael Ledger has admitted he is itching to return to action in Sunderland under-21s’ first pre-season friendly on Tuesday after missing the second half of last season through injury.
Andy Welsh’s development team enjoyed a fine campaign last term as they ran Manchester United all the way in the race for the U21 Premier League title.
While Ledger played a key defensive role in the first half of the season, the defender picked up an injury over the festive break which saw him ruled out for the remainder of the 2015-16 season.
A late dip in form from the under-21s then saw United’s young guns crowned champions, but now Ledger is keen to start a fresh this season and is already relishing the thought of returning to action at Seaham Red Star tomorrow night (kick-off 7.30pm).
“It has been good to get back into the swing of things,” he said. “The first week has been tough on the training ground and we have had a lot of challenging days which have included two sessions.
“There has been a lot of running and physical work but it’s all with good reason because we need to make sure we are ready for the start of the season.
“I haven’t played a game since January so just to be back on the pitch will be good,” he continued. “It will be a test because they will be wanting to beat us but we have got to make sure we are professional and do the job in the right way.
“You use pre-season as an opportunity to get minutes under your belts and all the lads are digging in and working really well, so hopefully that can continue.”
