Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has labelled last season the "worst" of his career.
The 30-year-old was limited to just 11 games for the Black Cats in the last campaign due to a series of ankle injuries.
However, the Italian is determined to put his troubles behind him and re-establish himself on Wearside to prove his worth to boss Dick Advocaat after scoring two goals in his side's pre-season win over Darlington.
Giaccherini told the club's official website: "It was good to be out there again scoring goals and more importantly building up my fitness. I want to forget last season, it was the worst season of my career.
"I want to look ahead to the new season because it is very important for me. I am determined to show my quality to prove to the manager that I can play in the starting eleven."
Giaccherini moved to Sunderland in 2013.
Simon Sinclair
