Dennis Cirkin addresses his contract future after his first Premier League start for Sunderland

Dennis Cirkin has insisted his immediate focus is on staying fit and contributing on the pitch after making his first Premier League start for Sunderland against Leeds United, with the defender entering the final six months of his contract.

Cirkin returned to action for the first time since May’s play-off final and was handed his Premier League debut at the Stadium of Light, completing a personal journey that has seen him represent Sunderland across League One, the Championship, and now the top flight.

Asked about his contractual situation, the 23-year-old was keen to keep the focus on his return from injury. “Look, I've just played my first game in six months, so that’s the first step, just getting back out there on that pitch. We’ll see how it goes now.”

Cirkin admitted the occasion itself was still sinking in, despite disappointment at the result. “Words can't describe it. First and foremost, I’m a little bit disappointed with the result, so that kind of comes first over everything. But I'm sure I’ll look back at this moment and never forget it. I know it's cliché, but it's a dream come true.”

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The left-back reflected on the longer-term significance of reaching the Premier League after being part of Sunderland’s rebuild in the lower divisions. “To make my Prem debut from where we came from, where I was five years ago, four years ago, with this team in League One, it's special. And it just goes to show what the club are doing.”

Cirkin has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines, watching teammates make the step up during his absence, but says the injury period became a learning experience rather than a setback. “I wouldn't say it's a difficult period. You just try and change the narrative a little bit and use it as something to learn from and come through adversity and hardship with this injury. The only thing I can do now is just keep going and work harder and find little things that I can do to excel and get that extra one or two per cent every day.”

Despite his contract situation, Cirkin made it clear how deeply connected he feels to the club. Asked whether Sunderland was now under his skin, he added: “Yeah, of course. I mean, I’ve played however many games and gone from League One, Championship to Prem. Now I'm just focused on staying fit and being an option to the team because the way they've fought this season is nothing short of remarkable. I just want to try and increase that.”

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Asked whether there could still be more chapters to write at Sunderland, Cirkin allowed himself to dream. “I hope so. The Champions League.” When pressed further, he doubled down on the ambition within the group. “Of course. I don't think it's far-fetched. If you look at the start of the year from where we've come and it’s achievable. 100 per cent. It's something we're working towards, obviously.”

Attention now quickly turns to the next challenge, with a demanding festive schedule ahead. “It’s a packed schedule. We’ll see how it goes. There has been a lot of changes and we are still learning as a group, but everyone trusts each other and that's great.”

Cirkin also gave an honest assessment of the step up in intensity at Premier League level after completing 90 minutes. “Well I started cramping up at 60 minutes, so definitely the speed. It’s just that little bit quicker in everything. Even like the speed of your thinking. You've got to stay concentrated the whole time. There were a few times I lost concentration, and maybe physically there were a few balls I was off. But I’m sure that’ll come with some consistency and more games.”

Having waited six months for his opportunity, Cirkin is determined to make the most of it. “100 per cent. It gives you that hunger and desire when you do get a shot in the team, especially for me being out for six months. It’s been something that I've been longing for to have this opportunity. And I just want to seize the day.”

The defender also spoke warmly about linking up with Simon Adingra for the first time. “That was our first game together. Super delighted for him to get his first goal. Everyone’s been incredible in training, you see them working day in and day out and never slacking, always trying to bring the level up, and it's amazing to play with players like that. You've got to give 100 per cent every day so you get better as a player. I’m proud of him, and hopefully there is more to come.”

Cirkin added that the squad have rallied around Adingra following his omission from the Africa Cup of Nations. You can be disappointed, but he hasn't shown that in his body language or the way he is with us. He’s a strong player. So he’ll be disappointed but will use that to get better, as you’ve seen today.”

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