Phil Bardsley eyeing return to form for Sunderland

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.