Sunderland's fit-again David Meyler says he never allowed himself to get down over his knee problems.

Meyler freely admits the time out has been tough but says the fact he's doing something he loves has helped carry him through.

He told safc.com: "There's a great positivity around the place. This is what I want to do, it's everything I dreamt of as a boy, so you can't dwell on things - you have to concentrate on getting yourself right.

"I still take every day as it comes. When I first got injured I'd set little plans out, but after doing it twice I just take it day by day now.

"I go from session to session and game to game - it's the easiest and best way. My focus every day is on improving myself and getting stronger and fitter."