Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is pleased to have re-signed John Mensah.
For Mensah, it will be his second consecutive campaign at the Stadium of Light, and Bruce admitted it is something of a gamble after injuries limited him to only 18 appearances last season.
The 27-year-old Ghanaian, who also impressed at the World Cup, has a back complaint which means he is susceptible to muscle problems.
Bruce said: "We were all impressed with John, we were a better team when he was in it. We hope he can get a fair crack of the whip with injuries.
"It is a bit of gamble on my part. Because of his outstanding ability, he's forced me to bring him back. We've brought in Titus (Bramble) and Nedum so in that department we're better equipped to handle the situation if he is in and out."
Mensah, meanwhile, is thrilled to be back at the Stadium of Light and is confident Sunderland can improve on last season's 13th-placed finish.
He told safc.com: "I am so excited. I always wanted to come back. I know how my colleagues here receive me, and the fans and manager too. I hope to deliver now I am back here.
"I believe Sunderland can do even better this season. I haven't been here for pre-season but if we work hard, we can go far. It all depends on our determination."
And Mensah is hopeful his injury problems will not prove too much of a hindrance this time around.
"I felt bad I couldn't make a lot of matches for the team but this season I believe everything is going to be possible," he added.
