Dan Pybus has admitted he is delighted to get pre-season underway and is relishing the challenge of being in the Sunderland under-21s squad next season.
The midfielder, who struck 15 goals in 23 appearances for the youth team in the 2015-16 campaign, completed his scholarship last season and has since been rewarded with a place in the development squad next year.
Previously captain of the under-18s, Pybus has shared his excitement over the new challenges that face him in pre-season and the year ahead.
“It’s great to be back with the lads because I haven’t seen most of them for a while,” he said. “It’s always great to be back and we are looking forward to getting the balls out next week.
“The first few sessions are always tough because we have to do a number of different tests and the yoyo one especially really shows how much you have done over the time off.
“I had a great year last season and again I want to be hitting double figures because for the last three seasons now I have scored 15 goals,” he continued.
“Scoring goals from midfield is what I want to do so definitely double figures again is a target but first of all I need to be getting in the team and look to go from there.
“Pre-season is a really important time because it sets you up and gives you the best preparation for the season ahead.
“I have been around the under-18s changing room for a few years now so to get to move to the other side of the building is good, but there is still one more changing room to go.”
