The Scottish international is back on Wearside and undergoing intensive rehabilitation from knee surgery in a bid to be fit for the start of the new campaign.

And Sunderland fans can expect to see a battle royal for the keepers' jersey with both men out to impress new manager Steve Bruce.

Gordon saw last season wrecked by ankle injuries and went into the summer sidelined by a knee problem which required an operation.

But he has returned to the club early in a bid to step up his recovery process and be challenging again as soon as possible.

The club record signing – a £9m transfer from Hearts two summers ago – was restricted to just 14 appearances last season and during his absence, Marton Fulop established himself as a Premiership standard stopper.

Now Gordon wants to come back stronger than ever and as quickly as possible.

The Scottish international said: "After starting last season fairly well, it just fell away. It was just one thing after another for me.

"I have not experienced that before in my career, but hopefully I have got all that out of the way at the same time and I can concentrate on getting fit and healthy and have a good run at it this season."

SEE Friday's Mail for full story