Edwards: Returning to pre-season training

Related links

Teams

• Sunderland

Players

• Carlos Edwards
• Kenwyne Jones

Also see

• Sunderland fixtures
• Sunderland stats
• Sunderland forum

Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards is ready for the 'challenge' of the Premier League after putting his injury problems behind him.

The 29-year-old missed the majority of last season after injuring his hamstring before then breaking his leg.

However, the Trinidad & Tobago international is now back to full fitness and will return to pre-season training with his team-mates on Friday.

And with the Black Cats only earning promotion to the Premier League in 2007, Edwards is now looking forward to the prospect of sampling a full campaign in the top-flight.

"I'm relishing the challenge," Edwards told the Sunderland Echo. "It will be like my first year in the Premier League.

"Last year was a start-stop situation with the injuries. But I'll come back fully fit and hopefully I'll play my part, pushing for a starting spot.

Competition

"There will be a lot of competition for places but hopefully I'll keep myself in the picture."

Meanwhile, Edwards admits that Sunderland will feel the absence of striker Kenwyne Jones, who has been ruled out of the start of the season with damaged knee ligaments.

Jones sustained the injury in Trinidad and Tobago's friendly defeat to England in June and Edwards is hopeful his compatriot will soon be back in action.

"It was very sad for Kenwyne. He hadn't even kicked a ball in the game before he was injured. Hopefully he recovers sooner rather than later," Edwards added.

"His injury gives an opportunity for one or two of the other players to take the chance."