SUNDERLAND have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Alex Bass on a season-long loan to AFC Wimbledon.

Bass will spend next term with the League Two club after the Black Cats agreed to sanction his departure.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper moved to Wearside last summer from Portsmouth, but was barely involved last season as Anthony Patterson firmly established himself as Sunderland's number one.

Bass only made two senior appearances last season, stepping in against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup and Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third round.

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"As soon as I heard about the opportunity to be here I was really excited," said Bass, after his loan move was confirmed. "I’m here to be myself and hopefully improve the team.

"A fresh start is what I’ve been looking for, I can’t wait to get going. I like to be dominant when coming for crosses and I feel I am comfortable on the ball.

"You know you’re going to get hit in this league but you have to command your area and be strong."