Lee Burge on the day that made a major impression before leaving Coventry City for Sunderland

A boyhood Coventry fan, Burge made over 150 appearances for the club ‘he can’t thank enough’ before moving to the north east in the summer to challenge Jon McLaughlin for his place in the Black Cats side.

Burge faced his former side on Saturday and speaking in the matchday programme, he admitted that despite being on the winning side of a remarkable 5-4 clash last season, the atmosphere made a major impression.

“It was probably the most entertaining match I have ever played in and I am sure that any neutrals who were there who had loved it, though if you were a Sunderland fan you probably couldn't believe your eyes at the scoreline,” he said.

“The game here last season as a huge factor for me when I decided to leave Coventry as it felt like a Premier League set-up.

“Sunderland, of course, is known as one of the biggest clubs in the country and to come here and see 40,000 fans create the atmosphere they did that day stuck in my head, and when I had to decide on my future that played a massive part.

“Coventry has been a huge part of my career and my life, I was there for 15 years and I loved it,” he added.

“I had some really big highs there and some really low moments and I can’t thank them enough for giving the opportunity to have a football career.

“They are doing well so far this season and I always keep half an eye on them.”

Burge has reclaimed the number one shirt since returning from injury, and is determined to kick on.

“My injury was frustrating as it came just as I was building some momentum, but I am 100 per cent now and raring to go,” he said.

“It is always hard when you pick up little knocks, especially when you're just finding you form, so to be back now is a relief and I just want to pick up from where I was last month.”