Marcos Alonso excited by Sunderland opportunity

Marcos Alonso has admitted that he has massive opportunity to re-establish himself in the Premier League after joining Sunderland on loan until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old joined Gus Poyet's side from Fiorentina just months after moving to Serie A, having previously been at Bolton Wanderers for three years.

Alonso told the club's official website: "The head coach is giving me a very good opportunity and I'm just very happy to be here and now I'll do my best to help the team.

"It's always good [to have experience]," he added. "It's not the first time I'm going to play in the Barclays Premier League so I don't think I need to get used to anything – I just will play."

The left-back is expected to go straight into the Black Cats' starting lineup to face Carlisle United in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday.