Source: Northern_Echo
Kilgallon has no regrets over Sunderland move
SUNDERLAND defender Matt Kilgallon has labelled his spell in the first team wilderness as the toughest of his career, but insists he has no regrets about making the move to Wearside.[LNB] The York-born centre-half admits its been a season of "mixed emotions" as the thrill of agreeing a three-and-half-year contract with the Black Cats rapidly became a period of frustration.[LNB] After making only six appearances in 16 games since moving from Sheffield United in January, Kilgallon is hoping to end his season by lining up against Wolves on Sunday.[LNB] A virtual ever-present for the Blades, Kilgallon revealed he found it hard acclimatising to his bit part role at Sunderland but hes determined to force his way back into Bruces plans.[LNB] The timing of his move from Bramall Lane coincided with the Wearsiders mid-season slump that prompted Bruce to select his more experienced defenders.[LNB] But a start at Molineux would complete a trio of consecutive appearances to end his season on an optimistic note.[LNB] "I don't regret moving here. I knew when I signed they had good centre-backs and it was going to be a battle to get in and stay in," noted Kigallon who move for a reported 2m.[LNB] "I couldn't take the risk of maybe waiting until the end of the season when I could have picked up and injury in the meantime. The time was right for me to go and I was well up for it.[LNB] "I was buzzing after signing and I went straight into the team. I came in at quite a hard time when confidence wasn't that high with the lads. It was tough. I was out of the team for two months.[LNB] "It's not just about me playing. The gaffer was picking a team to get out of a relegation battle and it worked.[LNB] "Being out for those two months was the hardest spell of my career. I was used to playing so to come here and sit on the bench was bit strange. But it's up to you. It's no one else's fault that you're on the bench and you've got to work your backside off to get back in the team.[LNB] "I wasn't used to sitting on the bench or being sent out to run around the pitch after a game or being in on your day off. I couldn't get my head around it! It was just about training hard. It's no good for the team if I am moping around the place.[LNB] "It didn't feel like the right time to go and speak to the gaffer about why he wasn't picking me. We were struggling down near the bottom and it's not the time for me to go knocking on his door, it's not right. I am sure we will sit down over the summer and have a word about his plans for me."[LNB] Sunderland quashed reports from Egypt they are set to make an early breakthrough in the transfer market with the capture of winger Ahmed Al-Muhammadi.[LNB] The Black Cats were linked with a move for the right-sided player, dubbed the Egyptian David Beckham last summer but Steve Walton, the Black Cats chief executive, poured scorn on suggestions they were set to complete a 2.5m deal for the player.[LNB] He said: "While Al-Muhammadi was here on trial last summer we have had no subsequent contact with the player, his club or his representatives so these reports are wide of the mark."[LNB] Bruce has confirmed that midfielder David Meyler will undergo surgery on his damaged knee ligaments today but fears the 20-year-old is facing a long spell of rehabilitation.[LNB]
