Titus Bramble has said that he is eager to repay Martin O'Neill's faith with an injury-free run in the side next season.
The defender, who was beset with off-field and injury problems, made just eight appearances for Sunderland last term.
The 31-year-old was facing a court case when O'Neill succeeded the outgoing Steve Bruce last December, though the centre-half was played in the manager's first game against Blackburn Rovers.
However, soon after, an Achilles injury ruled him out until the final day of the season. With his injuries behind him and after being cleared of all criminal charges, Bramble is desperate to start playing again.
"It was a big confidence boost for me that the manager put me straight into the side when he got here, particularly because of the problems I had at that time," said Bramble.
"When he came in I didn't know where I would stand, but he brought me into the team for his first game in charge and I was delighted with that.
"But I got injured not long after he was appointed and that was very frustrating."
Bramble joined Sunderland in 2010 from Wigan Athletic.
Sam Hughes
