Declan John explains what Sunderland fans can expect from him and gives fitness update

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.
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John joined on loan until the end of the season last Friday after a frustrating first half of the season at Swansea City.

The wing-back is enjoying his first week on the training ground as he battles with Denver Hume for a place in the side.

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Hume’s attacking style has been a crucial part of Parkinson’s plans of late and the Wales international believes it is an approach tailor-made for his best attributes.

Sunderland signing Declan John in international actionSunderland signing Declan John in international action
Sunderland signing Declan John in international action

“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 me down to the ground, getting up and down the pitch is what I 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 as a result, he says he is feeling fit and ready to quickly stake his claim for a place in the side.

“I'm fit,” he said.

“In terms of gametime, I haven't played that much.

“But I've been fit from the start of the season until now, so I have got a lot training in me.

“Hopefully I can take that into the games.

“The main goal is to play as many games as I can.

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“I haven't played a lot of football last season and start of this one, so I think that's at the top of my list [coming here].”

Parkinson identified John as a perfect fit for the wing-back role, and the 24-year-old was pleased to get the deal done.

“I'd spoken to the gaffer beforehand about coming up here and hopefully doing well,” he said.

“In the next few days it all came together.

“I had a quick chat with a couple of the boys down at Swansea and obviously the gaffer.

People just kept saying how big the club is, with the fanbase and everything like that.”