The Sunderland midfielder is part of coach Stuart Pearce's squad for this evening's friendly with Wales in Wrexham.

Leadbitter aims to make the most of what is the Under-21s' last test until next season.

The Wearside-born playmaker featured in Sunderland's final game of the campaign against Arsenal on Sunday, but was in no hurry to put his feet up.

Leadbitter said: "I love playing football, so I'll do it every chance I get.

"It's been good to break into the under-21 squad this season and hopefully I can get a game against Wales and do well.

"I'm looking forward to the summer break, but it's always an honour to be asked to play for your country, so I'm looking forward to it.

"If we get a win then it's a positive way to go into the break."

Leadbitter was a regular in Roy Keane's Premier League side in the first half of the 2007-08 season.

But it was tougher going from January onwards, with the arrival of Andy Reid and rehabilitation of Dean Whitehead increasing competition.

Leadbitter said: "People might remember the second half of the season because it was most recent and forget the first half.

"I picked up an injury, which didn't help, but I think I've come on this season. I always ask more of myself, though, and expect myself to be better.

"I've got time to learn, but I want to learn fast because I want to play as much as possible.

"The gaffer demands high standards and that drives everyone on, including me."

And Leadbitter shares boss Keane's views about not celebrating Sunderland's Premier League survival too much.

"I know the club and I know the fans and just surviving is not good enough for Sunderland," he added.

"The club has a chance to build and we want to do a lot better next season because we only finished three points above relegation and we don't want a struggle again next season.

"The gaffer will bring in more players and more competition for us in the summer and that's great.

"As a Sunderland fan, I want the club to be stronger."