Darlington then USA for Sunderland’s ex-Cardiff and Celtic defender Adam Matthews

Matthews could make his Sunderland debut in Thursday night’s first pre-season friendly at Darlington 1883 before the Black Cats jet off to North America on tour.

The Wales International feels that the tour will be a good opportunity to acquaint himself with the rest of the squad ahead of the start of the season in August.

He said: “It’ll be a good opportunity for me to get to know the players.

“You’re interacting with each other more when you’re on tour so that’ll be good for me. Hopefully we’ll come together as a team and start the season as well as we can.

“I’m obviously a bit nervous. Its a big change for me but I’m sure they’ll make me feel welcome and help me improve as a player so I’m looking forward to meeting them all. Hopefully I can settle in really well.”