Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke has opened up about his battle for fitness last season, revealing he's feeling fit and confident this time around in the Sunderland Echo.

The former Carlisle striker cost the Black Cats £1m last summer but had a lengthy spell on the sidelines not long after joining. They then signed Will Grigg as competition and Wyke found himself on the fringe of the first team.

“It was a tough season all-round really,” he said of his first campaign at the Stadium of Light.

“When you're not playing well and don't have confidence it's hard, really. But I'll always give 100%, I'll do that every game, and I feel confident now so hopefully, I take that into the season."

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Wyke has bagged twice thus far this season, once in the EFL Cup against Accrington Stanley as well as the winner this week away at Rochdale. Despite being kept out of the first team by Marc McNulty, he feels that a full pre-season has made all the difference.

“Obviously I've got a full pre-season under my belt. Last year I missed about six months altogether which halted my time at Sunderland.

“It was a tough season last season, but I'm ready to go now. I feel fit and strong so hopefully, it's a good season."

Sunderland take on AFC Wimbledon this weekend, looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

The Verdict

It will be great for Sunderland fans to see Charlie Wyke fit and raring to go. He was a huge disappointment last season but he didn't cost a big fee for no reason; he's a top striker at this level.

Fans often underestimate the impact missing pre-season can have on a player, mentally and physically. It's the same when joining a club in January; you have one level of fitness and your teammates can be way ahead.

There is no surprise when a player who has struggled one season suddenly comes good after a full summer with his new club.

Wyke is finally getting to the levels Bradford fans will have seen in 2017/18.