LEO Hjelde is ready to put his difficult start to life at Sunderland behind him and believes the Black Cats will see the defender back to his best this season.

On the back of injury problems, the Norwegian admits his January transfer from Leeds United to Sunderland didn't come at the ideal time but says he couldn't turn the Black Cats down.

The 20-year-old started nine straight league games after his move from Elland Road but then lost his place in the side as Sunderland struggled and was only in one starting XI in the final eight outings of last season.

Off the pitch, he immediately felt happy and settled on Wearside, but now he wants to show Sunderland fans what he's capable of.

“I felt at home straight away, but I was carrying a lot of niggles when I first came," says Hjelde.

"Maybe it wasn't the right time to come in January but I felt like I had to when a club like Sunderland came. I tried to do my best but let's reset for this season and see how we go.”

Hjelde also played a lot of his football for Sunderland last season at left-back but thinks he's at his best in the heart of the backline.

He says: “Right now I'll play anywhere but long term, centre-back is where I feel most comfortable. I enjoy playing left back but centre back is definitely more suited for my game.”

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It's at centre-half where the former Celtic youngster has impressed in pre-season, with a lengthy sit-down with new boss Regis Le Bris acting as a springboard for the defender.

“We went through last season and he's obviously went through everyone and all the games,” he said.

“We had a chat about how I felt last season and what my goals and targets are this season. It was a great chat, we got to know each other a bit more. 

“It's a new way of playing football but I think the lads are taking it in and trying to implement it as much as possible. It's pre-season so we're taking a few more risks than we would in the season.

“I think everyone is on board with the way he plays and there's some really good ideas."

Hjelde continued: “We want to go man for man when the goalkeeper has it - at times - not all the time. Listen, it's pre-season and we're trying to figure out when to go, so we're probably doing it a bit more than we would normally.

"It's still early in the season and there's still loads more work to do but it's good. You have to keep switched on all the time. It's not a way of football where you can relax all the time.

“There's lots of running, especially for a centre-back because you have to shift and follow the striker. It's fun because it’s a fight all the time.”

Hjelde caught the eye during last week's trip in Spain, impressing in the second half of the draw with Nottingham Forest and then building on that showing in the win over CD Eldense.

"Pre-season has been good but quite tough, I can't lie," he said.

The Black Cats are now back on Wearside and continuing their preparations for the new season at the Academy of Light.

Le Bris' side face League One Blackpool this weekend before pre-season concludes with games against Bradford and Marseille, both taking place at Valley Parade.