Sunderland defender Billy Jones has admitted that he is determined to make a positive impact for his side after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old made his first appearance for the Black Cats since October in their 3-1 defeat to Hull City as hamstring injuries kept him sidelined for Gus Poyet's men.

However, the full-back is confident that his woes are behind him and is now looking to finish the campaign strongly on Wearside.

Jones told Sky Sports News: "It's great to be back involved. Every player who is injured knows deep down that they are useless to everyone, really, because there is nothing you can do, you can't contribute at all. All you can do is hope the lads go out there and do the business.

"There were a couple of hiccups in my rehab so it's taken a little bit longer than the best-case scenario, but I'm just happy to be back and hopefully I'll stay fit between now and the end of the season and have an impact."

Jones joined Sunderland in the summer on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion.