Poyet: Alvarez Desperate To Make Comeback

Sunderland's on-loan winger Ricky Alvarez has resumed training and can't wait to get back into Premier League action, according to boss Gus Poyet.

The former Velez Sarsfield star has been missing through injury since the end of September.

Alvarez, who is spending the entire campaign on Wearside having agreed upon a year-long loan switch from Inter, produced a promising display as a substitute during the victory over Swansea City.

His showing against the Swans in September suggested there's a growing understanding of what's required of him in the English game, as he repeatedly looked to take on his man in order to create for his team-mates.

After being forced onto the treatment table for a period of about six weeks, Argentine international Alvarez can't wait to get going again - so much so that his manager has explained his struggle to contain the 26-year-old's enthusiasm:

"Ricky came back on Monday and Tuesday and wanted to do everything he didn’t do in those weeks in the space of a couple of days.

"I’ve talked to him; we are slowly bringing him back into the team and making sure we use him in the right places at the right time.

"I am sure he’s going to be an exciting player to watch. We need to keep him fit, but it’s nice to see him back.

"He was pushing the medical staff, everybody – he wants to be back. The international break was perfect for him."

Having witnessed his side performing well in their last two outings, Poyet is unlikely to throw the skilful seven times-capped attacker straight into the starting line-up.

However, a spot on the subs' bench for Alvarez at Leicester City on Saturday appears a distinct possibility, thus handing Poyet another interesting option if required late in the game.