Cirkin on learning curve but hopeful he can step it up
DENNIS Cirkin is ready for the step up to the Championship with Sunderland after cutting his teeth in League One.
Cirkin joined the Black Cats last summer from Spurs and had to adjust quickly to senior football, having played at under-23 level at White Hart Lane.
The 20-year-old admits he had to learn as he went along but believes he is in a much better place as he gears up for his second season as a firstteamer.
He admitted: “I would not say I adapted comfortably last season.
“I did go through some learning experiences and they definitely helped me.
“A change of manager is something I have never had before so I think it all just shaped me and this season hopefully will be good.
“There have been a lot of things to learn - the physicality, the mentality, having two games a week and always travelling.
“This is my first proper pre-season at Sunderland because I missed a little bit of last season.
“I have been happy with how it has gone so far.
“We have set out to win every game - it does not happen all the time but we definitely have that winning mentality now.”
Cirkin has impressed in Sunderland’s pre-season, showing a willingness to get forward and attack from leftback at every opportunity.
He added: “I am trying to build that part of my game.
“Last season when the new gaffer came in I think I solidified the other side of the game, the defending, so locking the ball in and working hard off the ball.
“That is something I am trying to build on this pre-season as well, just going forward with the ball because I know it will be important in the Championship.
“I think getting forward is definitely something the gaffer wants me to do and I feel like it can come from me as well.
“Doing both sides of the game and pushing myself is what I am trying to do this pre-season so I am ready for it.”
Cirkin went on: “It has been a good pre-season and the most important thing is getting minutes.
“A lot of us are getting that and there have been no injuries so far thankfully.
“It is just all about preparing for the first game and then trying to win every match.
“The most important thing is just being ready for that first game against Coventry. I just cannot wait to be honest. “