Sessegnon hails Campbell comeback

02 February 2012 16:46

Stephane Sessegnon has paid tribute to Sunderland team-mate Fraizer Campbell after witnessing his blistering return to action at close hand.

The 24-year-old former Manchester United striker has wasted little time in making a massive impact since his return from a 17-month injury nightmare, scoring as a substitute against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Sunday and then marking his first start since August 2010 with a stunning opener in Wednesday night's 3-0 victory over Norwich.

"He's worked really hard to get back and played really well in his first match at the weekend. He has managed to recover and given his maximum for the team again last night," said Sessegnon.

"After such a long time injured, it's difficult to start coming back into games. But he's a player who loves playing and that's helped him. I'm really happy for him."

There were smiles all round the Stadium of Light, and none wider than the one on Campbell's face, when he blasted the Black Cats into a 21st-minute lead.

Full-back Russell Martin did well to prevent James McClean from collecting the ball after the winger had lifted it over him, but his intervention simply set up Campbell to take on touch before thumping a dipping volley over goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Campbell turned provider seven minutes later as he and Sessegnon carved the Canaries open before the former crossed for the latter to head home from close range.

Sessegnon said: "The first goal was quite special because there wasn't much on. Fraizer hit the ball really well.

"Then he played a big part in my goal by putting in a great cross. Fraizer's a player who it's really easy to play alongside. He's very quick and likes the ball at his feet rather than on his head, a bit like me.

"Also, he allows me to drop a bit deeper into the middle of the park because he likes to play on the last man. We seem to complement each other and we both scored last night, so it looks good."

Source: PA