Sunderland winger Lynden Gooch says his spell on-loan last season prepared him for this term.

The USA Under-23 international made 10 appearances during a two-month loan spell at Doncaster Rovers last season before an ankle injury brought a premature end to his spell at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“I think my time at Doncaster Rovers helped," Gooch told the Sunderland Echo.

“Obviously, playing senior games was very important for me and I learned a lot being there, in and around that environment.

“It was tough. We struggled as a team and I was playing injured as well.

“I didn't realise it was as bad as it was at the time.

“But it was a good experience."