Sunderland defender DeAndre Yedlin says he can keep his place in their starting XI after falling out of favour at the Stadium of Light.

The 22-year-old joined the Black Cats last summer on a season-long loan from Tottenham.

"I've tried to work as hard as I can and get back into the team - that's happened and hopefully I can keep my spot," Yedlin told BBC Newcastle.

"You're going to have highs and lows, but it's how you get through the lows."

Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce hauled Yedlin off after just 19 minutes of their 1-0 defeat by Watford in December but the American has reclaimed his place at right-back.

"Being a young player, it's something I have to overcome because things like that are going to happen," he added.

"Whatever happens happens - that's how my thought process has always been," said Yedlin. "Obviously if my path is with Tottenham then I'm very happy, I'm going to fight and do all that I can to help them.

"If it's not then, whatever team I am with, I am going to fight to help them, that's how my mind has always been."