Rodwell relief at Black Cats return

Jack Rodwell admits it’s a relief to be back fit again after an extended absence with a hamstring injury had kept him on the sidelines.

The Sunderland midfielder played the full 90 minutes in the Black Cats’ goalless draw against Burnley in the FA Cup, building on his appearance against Liverpool the previous week.

And with a busy January in the pipeline, the former Manchester City and Everton star is hoping that he can stay injury-free and contribute to David Moyes’ side – starting with next week’s home clash with Stoke.

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He said: “Personally 90 minutes under my belt, after the Liverpool game of about 65 minutes. It’s good fitness-wise for me.

“It’s great, being injured is a nightmare for anyone so back playing now and I’m buzzing.

“He’s a good manager with good credentials and hopefully he’ll get the best out of me.

“I feel like at home we’ve got that edge. We didn’t quite get the goal (against Burnley) but if we can take the positives hopefully we can get the three points from Stoke.

“It’s a little bit disappointing (to draw with Burnley). We wanted to win the home game, and it’s a replay at Turf Moor.

“We had a weakened squad through injuries but we dug in and got the draw.

“The fans were brilliant again and if we can keep our home form good from now to the end of the season then that’s a great thing for us.”