Turner Impressed By Larsson

Last season Sunderland had no goals scored from a centre half all season. That fact in itself is an indication of why Steve Bruce addressed this problem immediately this summer by signing Seb Larsson on a free transfer.

With Larsson making a huge impact in his first game for his new club in Germany yesterday, his corner led to a goal from a set-piece and this has pleased co assist maker Michael Turner.

Turner told the Sunderland Echo: “Seb puts in some superb balls and if you can make a run and just go with it to get into the area and get free, there`s a chance.

“He`s got great delivery and I`m sure we`ll score more from set-pieces next year. We didn`t get enough goals from set-pieces last season so it`s important we work on that.”

Turner, who missed a lot of the season through injury when he collided with a goal post against Everton is also happy that his fitness and knee strength is returning by each game.

Turner added: “It`s important to get minutes under my belt, that`s where you get the fitness.

“The last bit of yesterday was a bit of a grind after the game the other day and we`ve been training hard before the game too.

“It`s been tough, but it`s been what I needed and I feel like I can be ready for selection when the season starts.

“I wasn`t really allowed to do any running over the summer. I was just told to rest with the programme I was given to strengthen my leg.

“Obviously when you come back and the other lads are flying, it`s tough.

“But me and the other lads who were out need to play as much as possible and train as hard as we can.
“The knee`s fine now, it feels good.

“There`s a programme that I do which the guys have sorted out. It`s important I carry that on.”