Grant Leadbitter is confident of establishing himself in Roy Keane's Sunderland team this season.

The 21 year-old midfielder is recovering from a preseason hamstring tear and said: "This is the strongest squad we've had since I was a kid.

"There's a good 24 players at the club, which is a very strong squad. They are all competing for places and it's good for the club. But I know if I play well I will get a chance this season, I'm not worried. Last year showed that."