Charlie Wyke steps up comeback bid as he opens up on Sunderland injury struggle

Charlie Wyke admits the prospect of a 40,000 crowd at the Stadium of Light is a significant incentive as he steps up his comeback bid.
Charlie Wyke is closing in on a return to action for SunderlandCharlie Wyke is closing in on a return to action for Sunderland
Charlie Wyke is closing in on a return to action for Sunderland

The striker is hoping to make his comeback on Boxing Day against Bradford City, with the Black Cats set for a bumper attendance.

Wyke played in a bounce game this week as he steps us recovery and he is pleased to have put some 'dark days' behind him.

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"I think we're trying to get 40,000 fans there [for Boxing Day], so it will be a great game to play in, and hopefully I'll be able to play my part," he told the Red & White programme.

"The Christmas period is class because you play game after game, and that allows you to build a lot of momentum and put points on the board.

"I want that buzz you get from winning games every week and I want to help us achieve our goal this season, which ultimately is promotion,

"We've got so much quality in the team, and to be honest I've been jealous sitting there watching the types of crosses and balls going into the box that we produce.

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"I want to be on the end of those, but I'm feeling fit and won't have to wait much longer."

Ross admitted he rushed Wyke back too quickly first time round, but the striker says he is confident in his knee this time around.

"It's been a long and frustrating six months, so it's good to finally be back out there and I'm enjoying every minute of it," he said.

"When I first came back, something wasn't right and I was still getting aches and pains in my knee.

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"I wasn't really confident in my knee when I came back last time and one collision made it happen again, so I've done an extra few weeks running and been more patient this time.

"Scoring at the Stadium of Light was one of the best feelings I've had during my career, but the next week I found myself injured again, not knowing when I'd return.

"I won't lie, it's tough coming on an afternoon by yourself and there's been some dark days, but there's a great bunch of lads here.

"Without the set-up we have, it could have been a lot more difficult, bit I've fitted straight in here and I feel good."