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Carlos EdwardsThe winger was recalled from a loan spell at Wolves to be thrown on as a substitute in yesterday's 1-0 home loss to West Ham.
He could not prevent what was a fourth defeat in five games for Roy Keane's men, but is relishing the challenge ahead.

Edwards was plagued by injury last season, suffering a hamstring tear in the opening week of the campaign before breaking his leg.

He rarely looked like reproducing the form that helped fire Sunderland to the Championship title the season before last and accepts he needs to up his game.

Edwards said: "Being back here is absolutely wonderful for me and seeing the manager still has me in his plans.

"I really hope Wolves continue on a positive course, but this is my club – it's where I want to be.

"I was only on loan to get my sharpness and now the manager has seen fit to bring me back. If he didn't need me he might have left me there for the duration of the loan.

"It was a surprise to get the call to come back. I've missed it here."

Edwards was farmed out on a three-month loan but was called back after only six weeks and as many appearances for the Championship leaders, who are six points clear at the top of the table after Saturday's 2-0 home win over Blackpool.

The temporary transfer raised questions about the 30-year-old's future on Wearside, but Edwards said: "I needed to go away to get the fitness and sharpness that I was lacking in pre-season.

"I have a point to prove this time round. I was lacking in my performances.

"The fans know my capability and the manager knows my capability. I think the manager did me a favour sending me on loan. I'm back here and raring to go."

The former Luton winger was sent on as a 66th-minute replacement for Steed Malbranque yesterday but was unable to spark a Sunderland fightback as Valon Behrami's 20th-minute strike won the game.

"We played some good football at times but I didn't think we deserved to get anything from the game," confessed Edwards (right). "They took their chance and we didn't, so we get zilch.

"We're scrapping for points and we gave away three of them. There is still a lot more to come from guys and hopefully it comes sooner rather than later so we can go on the run we really need."