Patrick van Aanholt pleased to be back for Sunderland

Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt has admitted that he is delighted to have joined up with his teammates on their pre-season tour of North America.

The Dutchman was forced to miss the Black Cats' first two friendlies on tour, but he is now in Toronto to take part in training.

Sunderland have lost both of their pre-season games in North American so far this summer.

"It's been really good since I got here," Van Aanholt told the club's official website. "I'm happy to have linked back up with the squad and to be training with them once again.

"I was sad to miss out on the other two games on tour but I'm happy to be back now and hoping to be involved against Toronto FC (on Wednesday)."

Van Aanholt scored one goal in 33 appearances for the Mackems last season.