Aji Alese spoke after making his long-awaited return to first team football in Sunderland's goalless draw against Bristol City.
BACK TO PLAYING
“It felt good. I’ve been out a little while now and just wanted to get back, I love playing football so getting back out there is what I’ve been working hard for.”
TOUGH TACKLING
“If the ball is there to be won I’ll always go for it, I won’t shy out of a tackle. I just came on and tried to help the team, that’s part of the game I guess.”
U21 MINUTES
“Getting 90 minutes on Wednesday was good, the first 90 minutes since January. I got an assist as well so that was good. Training has been good and I just need to keep pushing from here.”
CONVERT CHANCES TO GOALS
“I know it’s frustrating, especially watching on from the sidelines. In the first half you just wanted us to go on and score. Obviously when I came on we had a few chances as well. We just need to turn the possession in good areas and good chances into good finishes, and we’ll win games. We’ve kept a clean sheet today and created good chances. Yes, we didn’t put them away but if we turn chances into goals we’ll win games.”
ONTO LEEDS
“I work hard every day to try and get as many minutes as possible. If I start, come off the bench or if I don’t play, I’ll do whatever to help the team - but of course I want to play.”
KEEP WORKING HARD
“Short term is just to get back to fitness. Get back to feeling how I felt a year, or year-and-a-half ago, before the injury. Just need to stay fit and keep working.”
