Valentin Roberge isn't giving up on a Sunderland future.
The French defender hopes to keep his place in manager Gus Poyet's squad.
"Last year was good preparation for this year," Roberge told the Evening Chronicle, having signed for Sunderland after leaving Portuguese side Maritimo.
"I had to be patient, which was not easy.
"But it's a new season and I just want to work hard and then see what happens.
"I hope to play more games this year.
"I don't know what will happen with the manager's decision.
"But all I can do is work, work, work."
