Campbell: I'd go to away games with Sunderland fans during rehab

Sunderland striker Fraizer Campbell admits he became a huge fan during his long injury lay-off.

The Yorkshire-born forward, who has only made 34 appearances for Sunderland since his move from Manchester United nearly three years ago, said behaving like a fan kept his feet on the ground and focused on his comeback.

Campbell told the Daily Mail: "It was therapy for me to see the lads play. Ever since I signed for Sunderland they have been the team I support. I have been like that wherever I have been.

Before I became a professional I used to go to watch games all the time with my mates because I loved it.

"I always feel like a fan. The players are my mates and I always want to see them do well. That’s why I went to loads of games while I was out. I just wanted to go and show my support.

"I went to stacks of away grounds last year. I remember going to Blackpool with all the away fans and the stand shaking all the time. It was brilliant. It was a great experience just to sit with the real fans of a massive club. I tried to go disguised and wore a hood but it didn’t last long.

"It was a pretty warm night and I was sweating, so I was there in a T-shirt. I got noticed very quickly. I didn’t mind as the fans were amazing.

"When I woke up after the operation it was mentally very tough but it has made me a much stronger person. Hopefully I can come back as the same player, if not better."