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.
"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.""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.