JENSON Seelt thanked Regis Le Bris for making him feel supported and involved during his long spell out with injury.

Seelt was out for 10 months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March last year and admitted his long and gruelling road to recovery was "really challenging".

While Seelt was out of action, Le Bris took charge in the summer, and although the defender wasn't available, the head coach still made a point of building a relationship and supporting the 21-year-old through his difficult rehab.

That support encouraged Seelt, who took a major step towards a first team return when he made his first appearance for the Under-21s in last week's 2-1 victory over Benfica in the Premier League International Cup.

"The gaffer has been massively supportive," said Seelt.

"He gave me a really good feeling from the beginning. He was open to speak to, making sure I was always involved.

"It has been frustrating to be sidelined but also brilliant to see the team succeeding. It is only a motivation to see so many of our young players doing well. We look fresh and I'm excited to fight for my place.

"I will continue building my minutes after being out for so long. It's small steps but this is an exciting time."

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Seelt is back in training with the first team but won't be rushed back into action, with Le Bris and the coaching staff instead keen for the defender to get a few more Under-21s games under his belt before he's considered for Championship duty.

After his long spell on the sidelines, Seelt is just glad to have his boots on again.

"It felt amazing. I have worked so hard for this moment," he said, reflecting on his return for the Under-21s.

"This is obviously just the first steps but to be back out there, doing what I love, is the main thing.

"The time away from the group was really challenging. I'd like to think I have always had a positive attitude, accepting that the recovery was always going to be slow.

"When I look back, I have worked really hard. I have proved to myself I can overcome adversity."

Sunderland Under-21s boss Graeme Murty praised Seelt for the way he dealt with his time on the sidelines.

He said: "When you look at him, he's worked extremely hard in the gym. You can see through his conditioning. He looks strong. He looks like he's spent that time purposely, and he's been productive in the gym. He's done really well.

“He's been obviously challenged, he's been tested, but he's made sure that he's put himself in the best possible position to come back really well."