Victor Anichebe is determined to make up for lost time after securing his Premier League stay by signing for Sunderland – and that means learning from lessons he has had during his time at West Brom.
David Moyes, his former Everton manager, has given him a chance in the top-flight and the striker accepted the opportunity having spent the last four months waiting for the right move.
Anichebe was linked with Stoke City and Hull City, while he claims to have had offers from abroad before acting on Moyes’ offer.
Now the 28-year-old, who only started three Premier League games last season, is out to reproduce the sort of form that led to the Baggies paying Everton £6 million for him in September 2013.
Anichebe has his injury problems during that time, although the Nigerian international feels he can become a better player at Sunderland, even if starting against the Toffees next Monday could come too soon.
He said: “I have been keeping fit as much as possible. It’s not the same though. You can be really enthusiastic on your own, but other days it can be difficult to motivate yourself.
“I was training three times a day in America, then came back to England and I have had help doing sessions. I have tried to stay as fit as I possibly can.
“The gaffer told me he is going to flog me to get me fit. I am at a stage where I know I need to do it. I know if I can be really fit then I can show week in and week out that I can do it.
“In the past I have not concentrated properly on it. Coming to this age now, this is time to really concentrate and get my head down to do the right things outside of football. I need to be available every week.”
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