Sunderland summer signing Alan Browne is hoping to make his Black Cats' debut over the course of their pre-season tour in Alicante.

The Republic of Ireland international admits he was a little way behind the main group in terms of fitness, after making the move to Wearside earlier this month, sitting out of their pre-season double header against South Shields and Gateshead.

The versatile midfielder, who signed a three-year-deal at the Stadium of Light after bringing an end to his ten-year stint with Preston North End, has been doing his own top up sessions in an attempt to catch up with the rest of the pack.

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"I'm probably a wee bit behind the rest of the lads and where I would like to be, but I should hopefully be involved in one of the games," Browne said ahead of tomorrow night's clash with Nottingham Forest.

"With the move and everything, there's been a lot to sort at home but I've been in for a week or so and these sessions out here are tough sessions and I can feel my fitness really building now.

"I've settled in from day one, with players and staff. They're all good people and it just makes it that bit easier for you."

Sunderland signed Browne to bolster their midfield options, an area of the pitch where they lacked experience in last season, given the long-term injury sustained by Corry Evans. 

Although the midfielder, who has over 400 caps at Championship level, sees himself as a' number eight' by trade rather than a 'number six' he does like playing in a holding midfield role.

"That versatility can play in your favour and other times it can play against you a little bit," Browne said. 

"My preferred position is probably in midfield and as an eight, though I do like playing holding midfield and as a ten as well.

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"I can do a job pretty much anywhere, I think I've played pretty much everywhere apart from goalkeeper at Preston. I'm fine with that, though obviously you don't want to be outside your preferred position for too long.

"We've had those conversations before I signed, the club understand my preference and they agree with that as well. It just adds value that I can play a few different positions.

"They want me to play central midfield and I want to play there, but obviously if there are injuries etc along the way then I'm more than happy to do the job for my team."