Younes Kaboul: 'I am not fully fit'

Sunderland defender Younes Kaboul has admitted that he is still not 100% fit after arriving at the club in the summer.

The Black Cats signed the Frenchman in a £3m deal from Spurs in July, but he has been in and out of the side in the early stages of the season.

However, Kaboul believes that his performance in last week's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa is proof that he is heading in the right direction.

"I missed most of pre-season and I had a hard time at the end at Tottenham, because they didn't let me train with the team," the 29-year-old is quoted as saying by the Sunderland Echo.

"I had to plan my own schedule to get fit, which was not easy for me.

"I try to give my best all the time. I felt better at Aston Villa, but I still to work more physically."

Kaboul is in line to face Spurs when Dick Advocaat's side return to action next Sunday.