John explains what fans can expect from him
Declan John believes he will be a perfect fit for Sunderland’s 3-4-3 system as he bids to fight his way into Phil Parkinson’s starting XI.
John joined on loan until the end of the season last Fridayafterafrustratingfirsthalf of the season at Swansea City.
The wing-back is enjoying his first week on the training ground as he battles with DenverHumeforaplaceintheside.
Hume’s attacking style has been a crucial part of Parkinson’splansoflateandtheWales international believes it is an approach tailor-made for his best attributes.
“I think I'll suit the way we play,” he told safc.com.
“When we play with a five, that wing-back rule will suit medowntotheground,getting upanddownthepitchiswhatI can do. Hopefully, I can try and get some goals and assists.”
John has just five appearances in all competitions this season, and while he admits he is likely to be a touch short of match fitness, he says he is feeling fit and ready to quickly stake his claim.
“I'mfit,”hesaid.“Intermsof gametime,Ihaven'tplayedthat much.ButI'vebeenfitfromthe startoftheseasonuntilnow,so I have got a lot training in me.
“Hopefully, I can take that intothegames.Themaingoalis to play as many games as I can.
“Ihaven'tplayedalotoffootballlastseasonandstartofthis one,soIthinkthat'satthetopof my list [coming here].”
Parkinson identified John as a perfect fit for the wingback role, and the 24-year-old was pleased to get the deal done. “I'd spoken to the gaffer beforehand about coming up hereandhopefullydoingwell,” he said. “In the next few days it all came together. People just kept saying how big the club is, with the fanbase and everything like that.”