O'Donovan wants Black Cats stay

Striker has no desire to leave Stadium of Light

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 23rd June 2008

Roy ODonovan Sunderland 2008

O'Donovan: Difficult first season

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Roy O'Donovan is hoping to still be a Sunderland player by the time the 2008/09 season gets underway.

The Irish striker has been attracting interest from SPL side Dundee United, despite making 19 goalless appearances for the Black Cats during the last campaign.

However, at 22-years-old he is still learning his trade and feels that his development would be better served at the Stadium of Light.

"As far as I'm concerned, I'm still a Sunderland player and I'm just enjoying my holidays at the moment," O'Donovan told the Sunderland Echo.

"I know there was a rumour about me going to Dundee United on loan when I first came to Sunderland so maybe that's where the story has come from now.

"Nothing has been said to me about a move so I'm just looking forward to pre-season training with Sunderland."

Improved

The Republic of Ireland B international admits that he endured a tricky first season in England but expects to be better equipped to cope with the demands of Premier League football next term.

"It was difficult," he said.

"I think I improved and got more accustomed to it as time went on but next season is a big one for me.

"Hopefully I can get off on the right foot and progress nicely."

Benefits

Sunderland manager Roy Keane will have a wealth of attacking options at his disposal next season, with O'Donovan vying with Kenwyne Jones, Michael Chopra, Daryl Murphy, Anthony Stokes, Rade Prica and Martyn Waghorn for a starting spot.

The competition for places will present O'Donovan with a considerable challenge, although Keane admits that the youngster remains in his thoughts.

"We've thrown Roy in at the deep end - he didn't have the benefits of a season in English football before coming into the Premier League, like (fellow Irishmen) Shane Long and Kevin Doyle did at Reading.

"But he'll be a better player next season for the experience."