Lynden Gooch can't wait to 'get some minutes into the legs' against Al-Shabab when Sunderland bring their week in Dubai to a close in Friday's friendly game.
The US star has missed five weeks of action after sustaining a foot injuy against Wigan last month, but returned to training during the warm weather camp in the Middle East. And he is looking forward to pulling on a Sunderland shirt again, abeit in a friendly encounter.
“It’s been good on a personal note to be back training with the team” he told SAFC.com. “I was out for five weeks so I’ve been trying to get back into the swing of things and get fit.
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“I feel fit and it is all about getting touches on the ball. Just to get that rustiness away and get ready for next week when we get home. Get some minutes into the legs, which is obviously ideal for myself and everyone else who has had a week off. It’s going to be tough in this heat but it will be good in the long run for us.”
The 26-year-old had been a key part of the Sunderland side under Tony Mowbray before picking up the injury in the 2-1 win over Wigan in October. So far this season he has made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring just once in the 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Black Cats return to Championship action a week earlier than scheduled when they take on Millwall in the rearranged fixture on Saturday, December (12:30pm).
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