ROMAINE MUNDLE claims he has learned a lot from his unsuccessful spell in Belgium – but the winger is determined to get his career back on track now he has returned to England with Sunderland.

Mundle joined Sunderland on a permanent basis this morning, signing a four-and-a-half year contract as he moved to Wearside in a deal that could eventually be worth around £2m.

The 20-year-old spent his youth career with Tottenham, but moved to Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege last summer before he had the opportunity to play for Spurs’ first team.

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His time in Liege did not really go to plan as he made just six substitute appearances in the first half of the season before cutting his losses and agreeing to a return to England.

But while he admits there were highs and lows in the last six months, he insists he has benefited from his time in Belgium, with Sunderland set to reap the benefits.

“It was a very good experience, but a tough one as well,” said Mundle, who is available to make his Sunderland debut in Sunday’s Tees-Wear derby at Middlesbrough. “It came with a lot of ups and downs, but also moulded me into the man that I am now.

“The experience was about having my first season in professional football, and seeing how I could cope with that. I learned a lot of lessons there.”

Nevertheless, Mundle was delighted when Sunderland came in for him last month, and is looking forward to the challenge of testing himself in the Championship.

“It’s feels surreal,” he said, in an interview with Sunderland's official website. “I just can’t wait to get started now and play in front of the fans and develop as a player.

“For me, it was a no-brainer. It’s a club with a lot of history, and I thought, ‘Yeah, this could be the right move for me’ in order to succeed in my career.

“With the project, the fanbase and the staff, I couldn’t really say no, to be honest. Sunderland is a massive club in England, and for me and my development, I thought this was the right step.”