RICKY ALVAREZ has high hopes for the second half of the season after so far seeing his loan move from Italian giants Inter Milan marred by injury frustration.Argentine international Alvarez has been limited to just four Premier League appearances for Sunderland since arriving at the Stadium of Light in the summer after being sidelined for two months with a knee problem. The 26-year-old has made his return from the bench in the last two outings, but he has only been able to show fleeting glimpses of the ability which persuaded Sunderland to sign him from Inter on loan, with a view to a £7million permanent switch at the end of the season. Alvarez is coy on whether he expects that permanent clause to be activated, but is eager to show Sunderland fans why he arrived on Wearside with big expectations resting on his shoulders. He told the Echo: âNo doubt my aim is to do my absolute best this year and it wasnât really the best start for me. âBut there is a lot left, and a lot left this season. âWhat happens at the end of the season, will ultimately happen. âBut my aim now is to do my best and give a good account of myself. âIâm coming back to my best physical condition and Iâm improving in footballing terms too. âIâm doing everything I can so that when I get out on the pitch, I can do my best. âYou wouldnât wish on any player that when they arrive at a new club, theyâd have the bad fortune to get injured. âBut itâs part of our profession and you simply have to get on with it. âThese last few months have served as an opportunity to get to know my team-mates, get to know the club and also get to know England a lot better, which I didnât know until now. âBut now Iâm very keen to go out and do my best on the field which is what Iâm here for.â Gus Poyet has publicly spoken of how he believes Alvarez could make the difference in improving Sunderlandâs goal threat after the Black Cats have averaged less than goal per game so far this season. And those words have been welcomed by Alvarez, who believes head coach Poyet is giving him the freedom to express himself. âA player really likes to hear that theyâve got the trust of their head coach,â he added. âGus is really the main reason why Iâm here. âHe trusted in me and my ability, to bring me here. âNow Iâm looking to return that faith. âGus gives me a lot of freedom when I play and thatâs something I really like. âIâm not fixed to one particular position, Iâm able to move around wherever the spaces are. âIt is a very competitive league, but I think that Iâm good enough to do well here. âAnd Iâve been fortunate to find team-mates here who have helped me to express myself.â
All sounds good, really looking forward to seeing this lad play when fit and firing on all cylinders. In particular the bit in bold is good to see!!
P Van Aanholt Dislocated Shoulder no date B Jones Hamstring Injury 1 week E Giaccherini Ankle/Foot Injury 1 week Not on the physio list so seems like he`s fit now. Interesting to see what he can do.
He had a couple of sub appearances now since his return, the lad needs more minutes. I'd give him an hour against west ham.
Sounds like he has the right attitude, if he can follow in Revs footsteps and settle in quickly all the better, with Jones and Giacca coming back in a week or so we will be ready to take on all comers. I am really looking forward to the day when we have a bit of competition for places and some daylight between us and the bottom four.
