Phil Bardsley has admitted that he hopes to hit peak physical condition in the upcoming games for Sunderland.

The defender has started three of the last four Sunderland games following a lengthy layoff due to an ankle injury and insists that he is ready to perform regularly for the Black Cats.

Bardsley said: "I never fear a challenge though and this is a challenge now for me to get back to the form I'd started showing over the past few years and I'm pretty sure I can do that.

"You've got to suck it in a little bit. You've got to win these football matches, that's more important than whether I go off with another pulled hamstring or whatever it may be.

"If it's to save a goal then so be it. I'm just looking to get fully fit and hopefully with the upcoming games I can really get to the top of my level."

Sunderland are currently 15th in the Premier League.