Sunderland's newest midfield recruit, George Dobson, has revealed he'll be raring to go against Oxford United this weekend, despite having very little pre-season action under his belt.

In an interview with the Sunderland Echo, he revealed that being cast out of the first team squad at Walsall did dent his preparations for the new season. He was forced to train with the youth team after admitting he wanted to leave the club. He kept himself sharp though, as he told the Echo.

“I just did as much as I could, extra running and things like that to put yourself in the best possible shape you can,” said Dobson.

"I’m naturally a fit person anyway so I can hopefully get into the full swing of it. I’ll be ready if the manager wants me on Saturday."

The former West Ham man admitted he wanted to join the Black Cats as soon as he heard of their interest, with the huge fan base one of the main reasons behind his desire to move to Wearside.

“It was one of them where you were checking your phone every five minutes of the day hoping that the call’s going to come saying something’s happened.

“At times I felt it might not happen but when I finally found out it was going through I was delighted. The size of the football club, when you’re a young player these are the sort of crowds you dream of playing in front of.

“That’s the main reason I’ve come, the club, the fanbase.”

The 21-year-old played 91 times for Walsall, captaining the side as they launched a futile battle against relegation last season.

The Verdict

It sounds as though Walsall damaged the player's preparations for the new season; they're within their rights to ostracise him from the first team if they feel he was going to be a bad influence, but it does seem a little petty.

Even if they didn't play him what trouble was it keeping the captain training until the move? I don't like it when players hold clubs to ransom, similarly there is no need to treat a former servant of the club in this way for wanting to better himself.

What League Two player wouldn't want a move to Sunderland? They're a Premier League team in League One, huge ground, great facilities and ambitions of a return to the big time. It's a great opportunity and hopeful Dobson can put the last couple of months behind him and help them realise their dream.