The £5.5million buy from Manchester United last summer was regarded as arguably Sunderland's key signing when the August transfer window closed.

The 23-year-old had proven himself capable of being a match-winner at the highest level and it was felt his contribution might prove vital in keeping the club in the top flight.

As it was, he suffered an injury-ravaged campaign in which a broken-back was diagnosed in August and he did not play again until Christmas, and only sporadically after that, picking up a succession of injuries.

He was regarded as one of the players most likely to be culled this summer in manager Roy Keane's restructuring of the squad.

But he says Sunderland fans simply didn't see the best of him after he was forced into four-months of inactivity.

And now he says he will return leaner and meaner and determined to show Sunderland fans the real Kieran Richardson.

The midfielder has taken 10 kilos off his weight with a summer fitness programme which is designed to put him back into perfect shape for the campaign ahead.

He said: "Last season was very difficult because shortly after I arrived I discovered a stress fracture in my back and the cure was rest,
"That kept me out for four months and made me lose the fitness I had built up during pre-season.

"When I came back I had put on 10 kilos which I felt was a bit too heavy for me.

"In the last 20 minutes of games I just felt the extra weight was taking its toll and I think that played a part in my hamstring going.

"But I've been working hard this summer and I'm back down to 74 kilos, my ideal weight. I've started early so that, when pre-season starts, I will be flying.

"I want to show Sunderland fans the best of me."