Donald Love is hoping to play a prominent role during the 2017-18 season.
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The former Manchester United defender moved to Wearside last summer and made 16 appearances in all competitions, while also turning out for the club’s under-23s.
After reporting back at the Academy of Light on Thursday, Love and his team-mates will travel to Austria to work on their fitness ahead of their opening pre-season game against Bury on Friday 9 July.
And speaking to safc.com, the 22-year-old revealed he can’t wait to be back.
“Last year was up and down so I want to cement my place in the team,” said Love.
“Everyone aims for the same thing when you get back in training and that’s to be in the starting XI on the opening day of the season.”
He continued: “Everything is now about that first game against Derby County.
“We’ve got some big games at the start of the season – Sheffield United were promoted last season and they’ll be up for it – but we want to beat these teams.
“It was a long season last year but now we have a fresh start and we can’t wait to get back at it!”