Aiden McGeady has promotion on his mind after signing a one-year contract extension with Sunderland.
The former Ireland winger, 35, had been left out in the cold last year by former Black Cats' boss Phil Parkinson, prompting him to make a loan switch to Charlton Athletic.
But when Lee Johnson got the job at the Stadium of Light his first move was to recall McGeady to the first-team squad.
It proved a shrewd decision as the 93-times capped Ireland player was at the heart of Sunderland's run to the League One play-offs last season.
McGeady was named in the League One team of the year and produced the most assists in the division despite only making his first appearance in December.
The winger said: “I’m pleased to have signed a new contract at the club and I’m looking forward to the new season.
"I’m happy at Sunderland and since returning to the team under Lee Johnson, I feel that my performances have shown that.
"We all know what the ambition is for next season and I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want to be part of the team that goes back up.
"My focus is to play and perform for Sunderland for as long as I can.”
Manager Johnson added: “We are delighted to welcome Aiden back to the club. I have a strong relationship with him on a football level and I think he’s produced since we’ve come in.
"A player of his age has to produce and that’s why he’s here – to make other players better.
"I’ve not only been impressed by his output in terms of assists, but his buy-in to the philosophy and club identity.”
