Sunderland defender Carlos Cuellar has admitted that he is happy to just be back in contention for a recall to his side's starting lineup.

Cuellar missed two months of action with a hamstring problem, but he has featured on the bench for the Black Cats' last three matches.

The former Aston Villa centre-back is hoping that he will start a match for the club in the near future, but he has acknowledged that he faces competition to regain his place.

The 31-year-old told Chronicle Live: " I understand the manager has a tough decision to make when it comes to centre-halves because it is the one area of the squad where he has plenty of options and I have no problem with that.

"As well as John and Titus and myself, there is also Kader Mangane and Matt Kilgallon but I don't mind the competition for places, I am just glad to be back.

"I am feeling good, feeling fit and for the last few games, I have been happy just to be back on the bench and ready to be called on if needed."

The Spanish defender signed for Sunderland last summer.