Fraizer Campbell says he's ready for a first team at Sunderland after recovering from serious knee injury.

After playing 79 minutes in the reserves' 1-0 win against Bolton Campbell feels he is back in contention again and would love to be involved in this weekend's FA Cup tie against north-east rivals Middlesbrough.

"It's all I've been able to think about for the last 18 months and I'm getting closer all the time now," he told the Sunderland Echo.

"If I was called up to play or be on the bench this weekend, I am ready.

"It's up to the manager to decide but if he wants to include me on the bench I will be delighted.

"There would be no-one happier than me to come back, get involved and be back amongst the goals again.

"I'll do everything I can, but of course it will take a little bit of time for me to get my sharpness back."