Healy joined Sunderland from Fulham in August 2008

Sunderland striker David Healy has said he will remain patient as he works hard to fight for a first-team place at the Stadium of Light.

The Northern Ireland star, 29, has made just three appearances since joining in August from Fulham but has remained positive about his future.

"It was never going to be a case that I'd walk straight into the starting 11," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"The manager says I've got to be more patient and I'm still gaining fitness."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge here and getting back in the squad," he added.

The Downpatrick-born striker possesses an international goalscoring record that is one of the best in the modern game, with 34 goals in 65 games.

And having scored the winner in the League Cup against Nottingham Forest to open his account, Healy is confident he can adapt regardless of who he lines up with on his return to the side.

"The manager is playing with Djibril [Cisse] up front on his own and it's something he's more than capable of playing," he said.

"I'd say I'm better playing off a Djibril or Kenwyne [Jones] or Daryl Murphy where they can take the pressure off me and win the knockdowns.

"But whatever the manager decides to play I've got to adapt and be patient."

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