Aaron Connolly in ‘good place’ awaiting Sunderland debut – Le Bris

Connolly, who left Hull City at the end of last season when his contract expired, admitted that he had spent some time in rehab during the summer.

It was only after that he focused on football again, with the 24-year-old arriving as a free agent on Wearside after the transfer window had closed.

He was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Leeds United in the Black Cats’ last match.

But he has played some under-21 football to build up his fitness ahead of first-team involvement.

“We knew we needed three or four weeks to assess his physical level but he was really fit since the beginning,” Le Bris added.

“Then he needed to practise with his team-mates and he had two opportunities to play with the under-21s. He did very well and he scored a goal, so that’s good for a striker.

“He needed time to connect with the structure and the team and now he’s ready.”

Sunderland are top of the Championship but must wait until Sunday to play their game away to Hull City.