Sunderland striker Will Grigg has opened up about his recent injury struggles, admitting he can't remember the last time he went into a game fully fit.

The former Wigan man joined the Black Cats on transfer deadline day for a fee of £4m and has four goals in his 13 starts in League One.

He's been struggling for fitness in the run in, appearing for just over an hour of the defeat against Coventry before being replaced by another member of the walking wounded, Aiden McGeady.

As the Black Cats prepare to face Doncaster Rovers this weekend, Grigg revealed his struggles since he's arrived at the Stadium of Light.

“I can’t remember the last time I was 100% going into a game, but I’m sure every professional footballer would say that,” he told the Sunderland Echo.“I’m not going to say that I’m battling through injuries or stuff like that, because if I was injured I wouldn’t be playing."

He added that he's been struggling ever since arriving, having ended his Wigan career on the treatment table and as yet, he's not been able to reach the levels he expects of himself.

“Obviously it has been difficult in terms of the ankle and a few bits and bobs here and there. I came injured, got over it and now it’s a bit of a re-occurring thing. I’m doing my best to manage myself on and off the pitch and doing everything I can to make sure I’m fit and ready to play.

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“There’s only five games left so it’s about everybody digging in at the moment for that final push.”

Sunderland go into the Easter weekend two points behind Barnsley in second, but with a game in hand on the Tykes.

The Verdict

At this stage of the season, it's not hard to imagine players all over the country running through knocks and niggles.

However, when that player is worth £4m and has the hopes of a huge club riding on his shoulders, it's a bit different. Much is expected of Grigg, not just in the next five games but also in terms of leading the line next season.

He will surely benefit from a full pre-season and increased fitness regime.