Sunderland defender Russell Anderson had 45 minutes in last night's friendly victory over Darlington.

It was the Scot's first piece of action seen since suffering a knee injury ten months ago.

Anderson, who did much of his rehabilitation work with the Sunderland medical staff on Wearside, was delighted to make his long-awaited return in the Black Cats' 4-0 win at the Northern Echo Arena, paying 45 minutes after coming on as a half-time sub.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "It's been a long time but I'm glad to be back playing again.

"It took me a long time to find my feet and get back into playing a game rather than just training, but I enjoyed it.

"It's been a very hard time but I have been looked after very well by the club and the backroom and medical staff deserve a lot of credit and I have got a lot to thank them for."