I was glad to stay with Sunderland

ADAM Matthews did not need to consider finding a new club in the summer, because Sunderland felt like a new one.

The Wales full-back has been at the club since the summer of 2015 but it was only really last season that he became a regular.

Many players have left the Stadium of Light in the last two years as the Black Cats slipped but two divisions down the football pyramid.

Not including youngsters like Josh Maja who didn’t feature in the Premier League years, Matthews is one of just six players who remain from the club’s last top-flight campaign.

But ex-Celtic defender Matthews said he knew instantly upon returning to the club after a summer of upheaval behind the scenes with a completed takeover that he would not need to leave.

The 26-year-old said: “I was happy to stay. We came back in pre-season and it was a fresh start for everyone. The club got taken over, there was a new manager so it did feel like a new club and a fresh start for everyone. It’s nice to win games. At any level you play at, a footballer wants to win games.

“We haven’t had that feeling for a long time so hopefully this season we can get that feeling, win promotion and take it into the next season and kick on again.

“That’s our goal and what everyone in the changing room wants to do. We’ve got a lot of good youngsters coming through.

“Obviously we signed Glenn (Loovens), which I think is a big one for us in the changing room on and off the pitch. Jack [Diamond] and Benji did well when they came on (against Carlisle), and even Lee [Connelly] should have scored. He did well.”

Matthews was speaking after he helped Sunderland beat Carlisle United 3-1 in the Checkatrade Trophy. He registered an assist in another pleasing performance.

He’s hoping that, despite missing out on the upcoming fixtures, continuing his good form will lead to Ryan Giggs taking notice and handing him another international call-up.

“It’s an honour to represent your country and I’ve done it a couple of times now and want to do it again,” he said. “That will take care of itself. If I’m playing well for Sunderland then hopefully I’ll get a call-up, but if not I’ll still be there supporting.”