The 28-year-old keeper has had to watch from the sidelines at the Stadium of Light for the majority of the past 18 months, as Belgian Simon Mignolet has established himself as the club's number one with some fine performances.

That has seen Westwood lose his place in the Republic of Ireland squad to Millwall's David Forde, and the former Coventry man concedes he needs to be playing regularly at this stage of his career.
"I love it at Sunderland and I do think I have improved there," Westwood said.
"But it is going to be very difficult for me if I am not playing. We'll see what happens in the close season.
"I literally cannot get into the Sunderland team because Simon has done so well, and I accept that. 
"I understand Premier League clubs need two good keepers, and the manager was nervous in case anything happened to Simon, but it was a disaster for me.
"I have tried to take positives from the last year but it has not been an easy time, and I can't hide from that. There have been some dark times when it really has felt like there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
"I have been very fortunate there has been progression in my career. I'm lucky that over seven years since I started playing first team football at Carlisle, I've won titles, been in teams of the year, moved to the Premier League and played for Ireland.
"But I always knew, as good as it was, at some point there would be a period which was tough. Nothing can really prepare you for it, and it has been extremely tough and tested me as a person.
"The simple thing about me though is I just want to play football. I need to be stimulated. Some players are happy whatever happens, but it's not for me."
While Westwood considers his immediate future, he has no qualms about playing for Di Canio, and says he enjoys working with the Italian and his coaching staff.
"I have got on well with him and all the coaches," he continued.
"I really like them all, Domenico (Doardo, Sunderland goalkeeper coach) is great to work with, they want to work hard and they are extremely professional and are just really nice people.
"I think he will do really well. We need to sign a few players because the squad is not big enough but they have brought a really different approach to the previous gaffer and I like the way he works.
"Everyone talks about days off, or discipline, but the majority of the lads have signed up for his methods and the way he wants the club to progress.
"It has been blown up because it is Paolo Di Canio but discipline and fines are a part of everyday life at every club. Normally we don't get to hear about them and it remains in-house."